Broken or knocked-out tooth: symptoms and first aid
A tooth can break or be knocked out completely after a fall, sports injury or biting something hard. A knocked-out permanent tooth has a good chance of being saved if it is put back within the first 30–60 minutes. This is why time matters so much with dental injuries.
Which doctor should I see for broken or knocked-out tooth?
For broken or knocked-out tooth you can first see: Dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
What are the symptoms of broken or knocked-out tooth?
- A broken, cracked or sharp-edged tooth
- A tooth knocked out completely
- A tooth that has moved or is loose
- Pain with cold or when biting
- Bleeding from the gum
What causes broken or knocked-out tooth?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Falls and knocks
- 2Sports injuries
- 3Road accidents
- 4Biting hard food or objects
- 5Teeth weakened by large fillings or previous root canal treatment
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there loss of consciousness, vomiting or severe headache
- Do the teeth no longer meet properly, or is the jaw deformed
- Is the bleeding not stopping despite 15 minutes of pressure
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
First aid: what to do
- Hold a knocked-out permanent tooth by the crown, not the root.
- If dirty, rinse it gently for about 10 seconds with milk or saline; do not scrub.
- If possible, put the tooth straight back in its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it; if not, keep it in milk, saline or the person’s saliva.
- Get to a dentist or dental emergency within the first 30–60 minutes.
- Take any broken piece with you.
What not to do
- Do not wrap a knocked-out tooth in a dry tissue or keep it in water.
- Do not brush, wipe or wash the root with soap.
- Do not try to put a knocked-out milk tooth back; it can damage the permanent tooth bud.
See a doctor if
- Immediately for a knocked-out tooth
- The same day for a broken tooth
- The same day for a loose or displaced tooth
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Small fractures are repaired with a filling or crown. Fractures reaching the nerve may need root canal treatment. A tooth that is put back is splinted for a few weeks and followed up for months.
Treatment options for broken or knocked-out tooth
See how each treatment is done, how long it takes and which doctors offer it in your city. Your doctor will decide which option suits you after an examination.
Find a dentist in your city
Dentists in Turkish cities who can help with broken or knocked-out tooth.
People also describe it as
- “My tooth broke”
- “My child’s tooth was knocked out”
- “My front tooth broke”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for broken or knocked-out tooth?
For broken or knocked-out tooth you can first see: Dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
What are the symptoms of broken or knocked-out tooth?
Common symptoms: a broken, cracked or sharp-edged tooth; a tooth knocked out completely; a tooth that has moved or is loose; pain with cold or when biting; bleeding from the gum. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What should you not do with broken or knocked-out tooth?
Do not wrap a knocked-out tooth in a dry tissue or keep it in water. Do not brush, wipe or wash the root with soap. Do not try to put a knocked-out milk tooth back; it can damage the permanent tooth bud.
What causes broken or knocked-out tooth?
The most common causes: falls and knocks; sports injuries; road accidents; biting hard food or objects; teeth weakened by large fillings or previous root canal treatment. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
What should you do in case of broken or knocked-out tooth?
Hold a knocked-out permanent tooth by the crown, not the root. If dirty, rinse it gently for about 10 seconds with milk or saline; do not scrub. If possible, put the tooth straight back in its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it; if not, keep it in milk, saline or the person’s saliva. Get to a dentist or dental emergency within the first 30–60 minutes. Take any broken piece with you.
How long does broken or knocked-out tooth last and how is it treated?
Small fractures are repaired with a filling or crown. Fractures reaching the nerve may need root canal treatment. A tooth that is put back is splinted for a few weeks and followed up for months.
Can a knocked-out tooth be put back?
Permanent teeth can often be put back and splinted, especially within the first 30–60 minutes and if stored correctly.
Can a broken piece of tooth be stuck back on?
In some cases the dentist can bond the broken piece back; so keep the piece moist and bring it with you.
Where should I go if a tooth breaks at night?
You can go to the on-call clinics of Oral and Dental Health Centres (ADSM) or dental faculties. If there are other injuries, go to a hospital emergency department.
When is broken or knocked-out tooth an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there loss of consciousness, vomiting or severe headache?” “Do the teeth no longer meet properly, or is the jaw deformed?” “Is the bleeding not stopping despite 15 minutes of pressure?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for broken or knocked-out tooth?
See a doctor: immediately for a knocked-out tooth; the same day for a broken tooth; the same day for a loose or displaced tooth.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.