Cartoon Illustration Chipped and Broken Tooth

Repairing Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth just happen. Whether it is by chewing a bit of ice, biting down on a piece of hard candy, or if there is a fall or other accident—teeth can be chipped.

Teeth are covered with enamel – which while very strong, does not always protect the teeth from damage. Falls, accidents, and biting something hard can cause a break, especially on thinner teeth or teeth with some pre-existing injury or decay.

If you find yourself with a broken a tooth, don’t panic. It is important to stay calm, and realize there are several things that your dentist can do to fix your smile.

Here are some dental care tips:

Caring for a broken or chipped tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress on the face to help minimize any swelling. Anyone with a chipped or broken tooth should see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further breakage, loss or infection. You can call us at 480-400-9223 for same-day emergency appointments.

Managing the pain: Broken, chipped and fractured teeth can be very painful. Take acetaminophen or another over-the-counter pain medicine to manage the pain as directed, and continue to apply a cold compress.

Sharp edges: If the broken tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, you can cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum. This is just a temporary fix to keep it from cutting your tongue or the inside of your lip or cheek before the repair can be done.

Eating with a broken tooth: If you’re suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, we recommend making an appointment to see us as soon as possible. However, sometimes it is not possible. If you must eat, choose only soft foods and avoid chewing or biting with the broken tooth. Rinse with water and brush if possible to maintain a clean mouth.

Treatment for broken teeth

Treatment for a broken, chipped or fractured tooth will vary depending on how badly it is damaged. Small pieces of broken off enamel can usually be fixed in a single office visit. A more severely damaged tooth may require a lengthier procedure. Chipped teeth are most often repaired using bonding with a tooth-colored composite resin, but we may recommend other procedures depending on location and severity of the break.

Broken and chipped teeth may be disconcerting, but they are very common, and easily repaired when taken care of quickly. If you have any concerns about your teeth, check out our emergency dental services page. If you’re in pain, call us today.