A chipped tooth is one of the most common reasons people call us. It can happen biting something hard, during sport or after a fall. Some chips are purely cosmetic; others expose the inner layers of the tooth and need prompt care.
What to do straight away
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Keep any broken pieces in a clean container with milk or saliva and bring them with you.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if there is swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot, cold or sugary food.
- Call us on (02) 4733 1197. We aim to see dental emergencies on the same day.
If you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or a head injury, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
When is a chipped tooth urgent?
See a dentist promptly if:
- the tooth is painful or sensitive to hot and cold
- you can see pink or red in the broken area
- a large piece has broken off
- the edge is sharp and cutting your tongue or cheek
- there is swelling around the tooth
A small, painless chip should still be checked, because cracks are not always visible and can grow over time.
Repair options
The right repair depends on how much tooth is lost, where the tooth is, and whether the nerve is affected. Your dentist will explain the benefits, risks and costs of each option.
Smoothing and polishing — very small chips can sometimes just be smoothed.
Composite bonding — tooth-coloured resin is shaped onto the tooth to rebuild the missing part, often in one visit. See composite bonding.
Filling — where the chip involves a back tooth or an area of decay, a tooth-coloured filling may be used.
Inlay or onlay — for larger breaks on back teeth; made to fit and bonded in place. See inlays and onlays.
Crown — when a large part of the tooth is lost or the tooth is weakened, a crown covers and protects it.
Veneer — for front teeth where appearance is the main concern. See veneers.
Root canal treatment — if the break reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed before the tooth is restored.
How much does chipped tooth repair cost?
Cost depends on the repair needed — smoothing or bonding generally costs less than a crown or root canal treatment. We give you a written quote with item numbers before treatment so you can check your health fund rebate. Payment plans are available. See dental costs and fees.
Preventing chips
- Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sport.
- Ask about a night splint if you grind or clench.
- Avoid chewing ice, pen lids or hard lollies, and don’t use your teeth to open packets.
FAQs
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so a chip needs to be assessed and, where needed, repaired.
Can a chipped tooth be fixed in one visit?
Many small to moderate chips can be repaired with bonding in a single visit. Larger breaks may need more than one appointment.
Does chipped tooth repair hurt?
Where needed, the area is numbed so treatment is designed to be comfortable. Experiences vary between individuals.
Call (02) 4733 1197 — we aim to see dental emergencies the same day. See emergency dentist Glenmore Park.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Any dental procedure carries risks — discuss them with your dentist. Our dentists are registered with AHPRA.