COMMON CONCERNS
Broken Tooth Canning Vale
Chipped, cracked or broken a tooth? Learn what to do straight away, how repairs work, and why even painless breaks need care.
Broken, Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Teeth are strong, but they can chip, crack or break from biting something hard, an accident or a sporting knock, large old fillings weakening the tooth, or long term grinding. A broken tooth is not always painful, but it should always be assessed. Damage that looks minor on the surface can extend deeper into the tooth, and early repair protects the nerve and prevents bigger problems.
Types of Damage
- Small chips in the enamel, often repairable in a single visit with bonding or smoothing
- Fractured cusps, where part of the biting surface breaks away, usually restored with a filling or crown
- Cracks extending into the tooth, which can cause pain on biting and may need a crown or root canal treatment if the nerve is involved
- Breaks below the gum line or split teeth, where the tooth sometimes cannot be saved and replacement options are discussed
What to Do Straight Away
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any large fragments in milk or saliva. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. Cover any sharp edge with sugar free chewing gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek. Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot or cold food and drink. Then call us on 08 9256 2588; a broken tooth is treated as a priority and our emergency dentistry service can usually see you quickly.
How We Repair Broken Teeth
Treatment depends on how deep the damage goes. After an examination and digital imaging we will explain what is involved, which may be bonding, a filling, a crown to hold a weakened tooth together, or root canal treatment where the nerve is affected. Where a tooth cannot be saved, we talk through replacement options including implants and bridges before anything is done. Repair options and outcomes vary depending on the extent of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
My tooth broke but does not hurt. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes. The absence of pain does not mean the tooth is fine. Bacteria can enter through the break and reach the nerve over time, quietly turning a repairable tooth into one needing root canal treatment or extraction.
Can a knocked out adult tooth be saved?
Sometimes, if you act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, rinse it briefly if dirty, and if possible place it back in the socket or store it in milk. Seek dental care immediately; the first 30 to 60 minutes matter most.
How long does a repair take?
Small chips are often repaired in a single visit. Crowns and root canal treatment take two or more visits. We will give you a clear plan and timeframe after the assessment.
Will my health fund cover a broken tooth repair?
Many extras policies cover part of the cost of restorative treatment. We have HICAPS available for on the spot claims, and our team can provide item numbers so you can check with your fund before treatment.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Society of Endodontology. ase.org.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.