Broken tooth – what now?

What should you do straight away?

According to the NHS, a chipped, cracked or broken tooth is usually not serious. A dentist should still look at it. These steps help:

1. Look for any broken pieces and keep them. They can often be stuck back on.
2. Only hold a piece by the crown, not by the root.
3. Do not clean or disinfect it, not even under the tap.
4. Do not let it dry out. Put it in a tooth rescue box as soon as possible, at the latest after about 30 minutes.
5. Contact a dental practice straight away. They will decide how urgently you need treatment.

How should you store the broken piece?

A tooth rescue box is the best option. It is ready to use and contains a suitable nutrient solution.

If you do not have one, the tissue on the root will survive for a few hours in cold UHT milk or in saline solution from the pharmacy. Tap water and other liquids are not suitable.

As a last resort, you can wrap the piece in cling film. This stops it drying out.

What if the whole tooth has been knocked out?

A knocked-out adult tooth can often be saved if it is put back quickly or stored correctly.

• Hold the tooth by the crown, the white part that sticks out of the gum.
• If you can, gently push it back into the gap and bite on a clean cloth.
• If that is not possible, put it in a tooth rescue box or in cold milk.
• Go to a dentist as soon as possible, even if you cannot find the tooth.

Never put a knocked-out baby tooth back in, as it could damage the tooth growing underneath. Still take your child to a dentist. Injuries to baby teeth can affect the adult teeth even before they come through.

When is it urgent?

After any dental injury, see a dentist quickly, even if you cannot see any damage. The root may still be broken.

A completely knocked-out adult tooth is always urgent.

If you have a severe headache, feel sick or vomit after an accident, get medical help immediately. You can reach the ambulance service on 144.

After an accident, also check your tetanus vaccination status. If needed, ask your GP about a booster.

How is a broken tooth treated?

The right treatment depends on how badly the tooth is damaged. Possible options include:

• sticking the broken piece back on
• a filling
• a crown that completely covers the tooth
• root canal treatment if the tooth is badly damaged and the nerve is exposed

After an accident, follow-up appointments are important so that injured teeth heal properly. Please attend every appointment you are given.

Mild pain, swelling or bruising is normal for the first two to three days. Cool, damp compresses ease the symptoms. Keep brushing at least twice a day, with a new, soft toothbrush.

Where can you get help quickly in Vienna?

At our practice in 1120 Vienna-Meidling, we keep emergency appointments free every day for patients with acute problems, including a broken tooth. Please call us first on +43 1 813 31 23.

We see urgent cases in addition to our regular appointments, so there may be some waiting time.

Outside our opening hours, including at weekends, you can reach the on-call emergency dentist service in Vienna on +43 1 512 20 78. You will also find up-to-date information on the website of the Vienna Dental Chamber (Zahnärztekammer Wien).