What Should I Do About My Chipped Tooth?

If you chip a tooth, the first thing to do is take a look at how it feels. Some chips are tiny and mostly cosmetic. Others can leave the tooth sensitive, painful, or sharp enough to irritate your tongue or cheek. Even if it does not hurt, it is a good idea to have the tooth checked so you know how much damage was done.

What should I do right after I chip a tooth?

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any food or debris. If there is bleeding, hold a piece of clean gauze against the area for a few minutes. Try not to chew on that side until the tooth has been checked. If you found the piece that broke off, you can bring it with you to the dentist, although it may not always be possible to reuse it.

What if the tooth has a sharp edge?

A sharp edge can rub against your tongue, lip, or cheek and become uncomfortable pretty quickly. You can cover it temporarily with dental wax if you have some available. Sugar-free gum can work in a pinch, but only as a short-term measure. Do not try to file or smooth the tooth yourself.

What should I do if the tooth hurts?

Pain, throbbing, or strong sensitivity can mean the chip goes deeper than the outer enamel. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever if you normally take one safely, and a cold compress on the outside of your face may help with soreness or swelling. Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods until you can see your dentist.

Can I still eat with a chipped tooth?

Usually, yes, but stick with softer foods and chew on the other side of your mouth. Avoid ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, nuts, or anything else that puts a lot of pressure on the damaged tooth. A tooth that has already chipped can sometimes break further if you bite down on something hard.

Do I need to save the piece that chipped off?

If you can find it, go ahead and save it. Rinse it gently with water and bring it to your appointment. Sometimes a broken piece can be useful to your dentist, but do not worry if you cannot find it. Most chipped teeth are repaired with bonding, a filling, a crown, or another restoration.

How soon should I see a dentist?

A small, painless chip usually does not require an emergency visit, but it should still be checked. Call sooner if the tooth is painful, very sensitive, loose, bleeding, or badly broken. Swelling, severe pain, or a chip that exposes the inside of the tooth should be treated more quickly.

How will my dentist fix a chipped tooth?

That depends on how much of the tooth was lost. A very small chip may only need to be smoothed. Tooth-colored bonding can often repair minor chips, while a larger break may need a filling or crown. If the damage reaches the nerve inside the tooth, a root canal may be needed before the tooth is restored.

Can I wait and see if it gets better?

A chipped tooth will not grow back on its own. A tiny chip may stay the same for a long time, but there is also a chance that more of the tooth can break. It is usually easier to deal with a small chip before it becomes a larger one.

If you chipped a tooth, call our office to schedule an appointment. We can check how deep the damage goes, smooth any sharp edges, and talk through the best way to repair the tooth.

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