If you chip a tooth, rinse with warm water, save any broken piece in milk or saliva, cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax, and call a dentist to be seen as soon as you can. Most chips are repaired in a single visit with tooth-colored bonding. Larger chips may need a veneer or a crown, and a chip that reaches the nerve may need a root canal first. Enamel doesn't grow back, so even a painless chip is worth having checked.
What to do right after you chip a tooth
The first hour is about protecting the tooth and your mouth until you can be seen. Here's what helps:
- Rinse gently with warm water to clear away debris so you can see the damage.
- Save the piece if you find it. Keep it in a small container of milk or your own saliva and bring it with you. A dentist can sometimes reattach it.
- Control swelling with a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax so they don't cut your tongue or cheek.
- Chew on the other side and skip very hot, very cold, or hard foods until the tooth is repaired.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label if you're sore. Don't place aspirin directly on the gum.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip with no pain usually isn't an emergency, but you should be seen the same day if you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won't stop, or a large piece of tooth missing. A pink or red dot in the center of the broken area can mean the nerve is exposed, which also needs prompt care. Many Ideal Dental offices see guests with dental emergencies the same day. Learn more about our same-day emergency dental care.
How a chipped tooth is repaired
The right repair depends on how much of the tooth is missing, how deep the chip goes, and which tooth it is. An exam and X-ray come first, because a chip that looks small can hide a crack underneath.
Bonding for small chips
For most minor chips, your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin, sculpts it to match the original shape, hardens it with a light, and polishes it. It's usually done in one visit, often without numbing.
Veneers for larger chips on front teeth
When a front tooth has a bigger chip, or several front teeth are worn or uneven, a thin custom veneer can rebuild the front surface for a more durable, natural-looking result. Veneers usually take two visits. Our cosmetic dentistry team can walk you through whether bonding or a veneer fits your smile, and veneers vs. crowns explains the difference.
Crowns for chips that take a lot of tooth
If a large part of the tooth has broken off, especially on a back tooth that handles heavy chewing, a crown covers and protects what's left. See what a dental crown is for how the process works.
Root canal when the nerve is involved
If the chip reaches the soft tissue inside the tooth, a root canal treats it first, and the tooth is then protected with a crown.
Chipped vs. cracked: why the difference matters
A chip is a piece of tooth that has broken away; a crack is a fracture line that runs into the tooth and can spread. Cracks can be harder to see and sometimes cause pain only when you bite or release. If you're not sure which you have, see what can be done about a cracked tooth.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?
Cost follows the repair: bonding for a small chip often runs roughly $100 to $600 per tooth nationally, while veneers and crowns for larger chips typically range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Many dental plans cover chip repair as restorative care, especially after an injury. We'll check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. For crown pricing specifically, see how much a dental crown costs.
New to Ideal Dental and paying cash? You can start with our $39 new-guest exam and X-rays (valued up to $785). Cash-pay new guests only; not available at every office.
How to prevent chips
- Don't chew ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or pens.
- Don't use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Ask about a night guard if you grind or clench.
Chipped a tooth? Find an Ideal Dental office near you and we'll get you seen.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I chip a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any piece of tooth you can find in milk or saliva, and use a cold compress on your cheek if there is swelling. Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax, avoid chewing on that side, and call a dentist to be seen as soon as you can.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
A small chip with no pain is usually not an emergency, but it should still be seen soon so it does not worsen. Severe pain, bleeding that will not stop, a large piece of tooth missing, swelling, or a visible pink or red spot in the center of the tooth are signs to be seen the same day.
How do dentists fix a chipped tooth?
Small chips are usually repaired with bonding, a tooth-colored resin shaped to match the tooth in a single visit. Larger chips on front teeth may be better served by a veneer, and a chip that removes a large part of a tooth often needs a crown. If the chip reaches the nerve, a root canal may be needed before the tooth is restored.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?
It depends on the repair. Nationally, bonding for a small chip often runs roughly $100 to $600 per tooth, while a veneer or crown for a larger chip typically costs from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. An exam with X-rays determines which repair your tooth needs, and you get a written estimate before treatment.
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so a chip will not repair itself. An untreated chip can collect bacteria, develop decay, or crack further under chewing pressure, which is why it is worth having it checked even when it does not hurt.
Will insurance cover a chipped tooth repair?
Many dental plans cover repair of a chipped tooth as restorative care, especially when the chip came from an injury or biting something hard. Coverage for cosmetic upgrades beyond what the tooth needs is less likely. We can check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.