A broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth is stressful — but what you do in the first hour really matters, and it's very treatable. Here's the first aid, when it's a real emergency, and how to get seen fast in Korea — in English.
Chipping, breaking, or knocking out a tooth is alarming — but stay calm: acting quickly and correctly in the first hour often saves the tooth, and the rest is very treatable. Here's exactly what to do, in English for foreign residents in Korea.
A knocked-out tooth — act within the hour
A fully knocked-out adult tooth can sometimes be saved if you act fast:
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part) — never the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline for a second. Don't scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- If you can, put it back in the socket and bite gently on clean gauze to hold it.
- If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk (or saline, or tucked inside your cheek) — not water.
- Get to a dentist immediately. The sooner it's replanted, the better the chance it survives.
A knocked-out baby tooth is usually not put back — but still see a dentist to check for damage.
A broken or chipped tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces (in milk or saline).
- Use a cold compress on the outside for swelling, and painkillers if needed.
- Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum so it doesn't cut your tongue.
- See a dentist soon: a small chip may just need bonding, a larger break may need a crown, and if the nerve is exposed you may need a root canal.
A cracked tooth
Pain when biting, or a zing from hot and cold, can mean a cracked tooth. It won't heal on its own. A dentist checks it with a 3D scan and may protect it with a crown, or treat the nerve with a root canal if the crack has reached it.
When it's an emergency — go now
Seek urgent care if there's a knocked-out adult tooth, bleeding that won't stop, severe pain or swelling, or a facial injury. For a bad toothache or other dental emergencies, see our emergency dentist guide. After hours, a hospital emergency room handles facial trauma and heavy bleeding.
Getting seen fast in Korea
- Many clinics keep room for same-day urgent cases — call ahead so they're ready for you.
- Bring your ARC for NHIS billing. Extractions and many repairs are NHIS-covered (you pay a share); crowns and cosmetic work vary.
At Seoul Lab Dental: if you break or lose a tooth, call us — we'll tell you exactly what to do right now, in English, and see you as fast as we can.
Frequently asked questions
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Often yes, if you act within about an hour. Hold it by the crown (not the root), keep it moist in milk or saline (or your cheek) — never water — try to place it back in the socket, and get to a dentist immediately. The faster it's replanted, the better the odds.
Should I put a knocked-out tooth in water?
No — water damages the delicate root-surface cells. Use milk or saline, or tuck the tooth inside your cheek, and see a dentist right away.
I chipped a tooth but it doesn't hurt — do I still need a dentist?
Yes. Even a painless chip can sharpen, worsen, or hide a crack, and it's much simpler to fix early. A dentist can smooth or bond a small chip, or place a crown for a larger break.
Does NHIS cover a broken tooth?
Essentials like extractions, fillings, and root canal are covered, so you pay a share of the cost. Crowns and cosmetic repairs vary and may be private. Ask for a written, itemised estimate.
Can I be seen the same day, in English?
Call ahead and we'll fit urgent cases in as fast as we can. At Seoul Lab Dental we explain what's happening and your options in English throughout.
Want a clear estimate for your treatment?
Book a 3D scan and consultation — you'll leave knowing your treatment plan and exact cost.
Get my estimate
