What to Do Immediately After a Chipped, Cracked or Knocked-Out Tooth

Dr Lokesh Yadav · Gurugram · Updated 2026-09-29

A dental injury rarely happens at a convenient time. Whether it is a fall, a sports accident, or biting down on something hard, the first 30 to 60 minutes after the injury often decide whether a tooth can be saved and how much treatment will eventually cost. Here is a clear, practical guide for patients in Gurugram on what to do right away.

First aid by type of injury

Chipped tooth

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear debris.
• Save any broken piece of tooth in a clean, damp tissue or a small box, it may sometimes be reattached.
• If the edge is sharp, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek.
• Apply a cold compress on the outside of the face if there is swelling.

Cracked tooth

• Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.
• Rinse with lukewarm salt water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
• See a dentist within a day or two, even if pain is mild. Cracks can extend deeper over time.

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth

This is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. Every minute matters.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), never the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline, not tap water, and do not scrub it.
3. Try to gently place it back in its socket facing the right way. If that is not possible, keep it in a container of cold milk, saline, or the patient's own saliva. Do not let it dry out.
4. Get to a dental or maxillofacial clinic within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

When to rush to a maxillofacial surgeon

Not every chipped tooth needs urgent surgical care, but some situations do. Head to a clinic with a maxillofacial surgeon or an emergency room right away if you notice any of the following:

• A tooth is completely knocked out
• There is heavy or uncontrolled bleeding from the gum or mouth
• The jaw feels misaligned, cannot close properly, or is visibly swollen
• There are cuts to the lips, tongue, or inside of the cheek along with the tooth injury
• You suspect a fractured jaw bone, especially after a fall or road accident

A maxillofacial surgeon is trained to manage injuries involving the teeth, jaw bone, and surrounding facial tissue together, which is important when trauma extends beyond just the tooth itself.

How timing affects success and cost

Acting quickly does more than save discomfort, it often changes the entire treatment path and its cost. A tooth reimplanted within an hour has a much better chance of long-term survival than one brought in after several hours, which may instead need root canal treatment, a crown, or even extraction and replacement with an implant later.

These are typical ranges and the actual cost depends on the tooth involved, extent of damage, and imaging or lab work needed. Your dentist can give an exact estimate after examination.

What not to do

• Do not scrub or dry a knocked-out tooth before storing it
• Do not delay care hoping the pain will simply pass on its own
• Do not try to glue a broken piece back yourself
• Do not ignore jaw pain or difficulty biting after a fall, even without visible tooth damage

Dental injuries can feel alarming, but calm, quick first aid combined with prompt professional care gives the best chance of saving your natural tooth and keeping treatment simple.

Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.