Overview
Small chips may only need smoothing. Deep cracks can reach the nerve.
A knocked-out adult tooth can sometimes be saved if put back fast.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
Less common
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
Look up a symptom: Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth · Toothache or tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets
When to get medical care
Causes
Biting hard things, grinding, falls, and sports.
Who is more likely to get it
- Grinding
- Contact sports
Possible complications
Diagnosis
A dentist examines the tooth.
Questions you may be asked
- How it happened
The exam
A mouth exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Dental X-rays:
Treatment
See a dentist soon.
Self-care
- Rinse with warm water
- Use a cold pack on the cheek
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax
- Knocked-out tooth: hold by the crown, rinse, put it back or keep it in milk
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Pain |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Prevention
To prevent it:
- Mouth guard for sports
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your dentist.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people can go back to school or work the same day or the next day.
Outlook
Usually repairable.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cracked or broken tooth
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.