Finer Smiles Dental Practice, Encino, CA
Quick answer: If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces you can find, and press gauze on any bleeding. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling. Avoid chewing on that side, then call your dentist as soon as you can, even if it doesn't hurt. A small chip can often be smoothed or repaired with tooth-colored bonding, while a larger break may need a crown or other treatment. Severe pain, a tooth knocked out, or heavy bleeding means you should be seen right away.
What to Do in the First Few Minutes
A broken tooth can be startling, but a few simple steps help protect the tooth until you can be seen:
- Rinse gently. Swish warm water to clean the area so you can see what happened.
- Save the pieces. If a piece of tooth broke off, put it in a clean container with a little milk or saliva and bring it to your appointment. Sometimes a fragment can be reattached.
- Stop any bleeding. Press clean gauze or a damp tea bag against the area for about 10 minutes.
- Use a cold compress. Hold it on the outside of your cheek or lip for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time to ease swelling.
- Cover sharp edges. A piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy can keep a jagged edge from cutting your tongue or cheek.
- Manage discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever may help. Follow the label, and don't place aspirin or any pill directly against your gums.
- Call your dentist. Let the office know what happened so they can tell you how soon you should come in.
Try not to bite on the broken tooth, and avoid very hot, cold, hard, or sticky foods until it's checked.
Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
Not every chip needs a same-day visit, but every chipped or broken tooth should be checked. Even a small chip can leave a weak spot or a crack you can't see.
Call right away if you have:
- A tooth that was knocked out completely (an adult tooth has the best chance of being saved when it's seen very quickly)
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Bleeding that won't stop
- A break that shows pink or red in the center of the tooth, which may mean the nerve is exposed
- Swelling in your face or gums, or a fever
If you have a serious injury to your face or jaw, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding you can't control, go to an emergency room or call 911 first.
It can usually wait a day or two if:
- The chip is small, with no pain or only slight sensitivity
- The tooth feels solid and doesn't move
- There is no bleeding or swelling
Even then, it's best to schedule a visit soon. Learn more about our emergency dental care in Encino.
Common Causes of Chipped and Broken Teeth
- Biting down on something hard, like ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or a pen
- Falls, sports, and other accidents
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night
- A large old filling or a cavity that has weakened the tooth
- Using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
How a Dentist Repairs a Chipped or Broken Tooth
The right repair depends on how much of the tooth is damaged, where the break is, and whether the nerve is involved. Your dentist will look at the tooth and may take an X-ray before recommending options.
Smoothing (for very small chips)
A tiny chip on the edge of a tooth can sometimes be gently polished smooth so it no longer feels sharp.
Dental bonding
For many small to moderate chips, especially on front teeth, a tooth-colored resin can be shaped onto the tooth and hardened with a light. Bonding is often done in a single visit.
Veneers
If a front tooth is chipped and you'd also like to improve its shape or color, a porcelain veneer is a thin shell that covers the front surface of the tooth.
Dental crowns
When a larger part of the tooth breaks off, or a back tooth cracks, a dental crown can cover and protect what's left of the tooth and restore its shape so you can chew comfortably.
Root canal treatment
If the break reaches the soft inner part of the tooth (the pulp), or the nerve becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth. A crown is often placed afterward.
When a tooth can't be saved
Some breaks, like a crack that runs below the gumline, may mean the tooth can't be repaired. In that case, a tooth extraction may be recommended, and your dentist can talk with you about replacement options such as dental implants or a bridge.
Why You Shouldn't Wait, Even If It Doesn't Hurt
A chip that doesn't hurt today can still cause problems later. A broken edge can trap bacteria and lead to decay, and a small crack can spread with everyday chewing. Catching it early often means a simpler repair.
How to Help Prevent Chipped Teeth
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and activities where falls are common
- Ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind or clench
- Skip chewing ice, hard candy, and non-food items
- Don't use your teeth to open things
- Keep up with regular checkups so weak fillings or cracks can be found early through general dentistry visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel can't grow back, so a chip won't repair itself. A dentist can smooth or repair the tooth and check for cracks you might not see.
How long can I wait to fix a chipped tooth?
If there's no pain, bleeding, or swelling, it's usually fine to wait a day or two, but try to be seen soon. Severe pain, a knocked-out tooth, or bleeding that won't stop should be treated right away.
Does fixing a chipped tooth hurt?
Smoothing and many bonding repairs are often done with little or no discomfort. For larger repairs, such as a crown or root canal, the area is numbed first so you stay comfortable.
Is chipped tooth repair covered by dental insurance?
It depends on your plan and the type of repair. Many plans cover part of the cost of restorative treatment. Our team can help you understand your benefits; see our dental insurance page for more information.
What should I do with the piece of tooth that broke off?
Keep it in a clean container with a little milk or saliva and bring it to your dental visit. In some cases it can be bonded back onto the tooth.
Broke a Tooth? We Can Help
If you've chipped or broken a tooth in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Van Nuys, or anywhere nearby in the San Fernando Valley, Finer Smiles Dental Practice can check the tooth and talk with you about your repair options.
Book your visit online or call us at (818) 788-2155. You can also learn more about Dr. Nairy Sekayan or reach us through our contact page.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for an exam. If you have a dental injury, contact a dentist for advice about your situation.