Chipped a Tooth? Here’s What Dentists Recommend You Do Next

Chipping a tooth can happen in an instant, biting down on something hard, taking an accidental hit, or simply losing a piece of an older filling. It’s one of the most common dental problems people experience, and the reaction is usually the same: a mix of surprise, a quick check in the mirror, and then the question of what to do next.

The answer depends on the severity of the chip. Some situations call for same-day attention. Others can wait a few days for a scheduled appointment. Either way, knowing which steps to take right away and what your treatment options are can help you move through the situation with a lot less stress. St. George Dental Care explores this topic in detail. Let’s dive in!

What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth

The first few hours after chipping a tooth matter. Here’s what dentists recommend doing right away:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any small fragments.

• Save any large pieces of the tooth if you can find them and bring them to your appointment, though in most cases, the fragment cannot be reattached.

• Apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze if there is any bleeding.

• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek or lip to reduce swelling.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing discomfort, following the dosage instructions on the label.

• Cover any sharp edges temporarily with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek until you can be seen.

• Avoid chewing on the side of the damaged tooth and stay away from very hot, cold, or hard foods until you’ve had the tooth evaluated.

When a Chipped Tooth Is a Dental Emergency

Not every chip requires an emergency visit, but some do. Seek same-day dental care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter medication.

• A large portion of the tooth has broken off, especially if the inner pulp is exposed.

• Visible damage to the nerve, often recognized by intense sensitivity or sharp pain when breathing in air.

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop.

• Swelling in the gum or jaw around the damaged tooth. The tooth has been knocked loose or fully out.

When in doubt, it’s always better to call and describe what happened. A dental team can help you determine whether you need to come in right away or whether a regular appointment will be sufficient.

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth

The treatment that makes the most sense depends on how much tooth structure was lost and where in the mouth the chip occurred. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Dental Bonding

Bonding is often the first option considered for minor chips, particularly on front teeth. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area, shapes it to match the natural tooth, and cures it with a light. Bonding is typically completed in a single appointment and is one of the more cost-effective repair options for small chips.

Dental Veneers

For chips on front teeth that are more visible or where a patient also wants to improve the overall appearance of the smile, a veneer may be a better long-term solution. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They cover chips, cracks, discoloration, and minor shape irregularities.

Dental Crowns

When a chip is significant, a large portion of the tooth has been lost, or the tooth’s structural integrity is compromised, a crown is often the recommended treatment. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. St. George Dental Care offers same-day CEREC crowns, which means the crown can be designed, milled, and placed in a single visit rather than requiring two appointments and a temporary crown.

Root Canal Followed by a Crown

If the chip has exposed the pulp of the tooth where the nerve and blood vessels are located, a root canal may be necessary before a crown is placed. This removes the damaged or infected pulp, clears the canals, and seals the tooth so the crown can be placed on a stable foundation. This is more common with larger breaks or chips that have been left untreated for some time.

Extraction

In rare cases where the chip or fracture is severe enough that the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option. This is uncommon for a chip alone, but it can occur with significant root damage or when the remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a restoration.

How to Prevent Chipped Teeth

While accidents happen, some habits significantly increase the risk of chipping a tooth:

• Chewing on ice, hard candies, pens, or fingernails puts repeated stress on tooth enamel.

• Using teeth to open packaging or bottles transfers force in ways teeth aren’t designed to handle.

• Playing contact sports without a mouthguard leaves teeth unprotected from impact.

• Teeth grinding wears down enamel over time and makes teeth more susceptible to chips and cracks.

• Untreated cavities weaken tooth structure from the inside, making chips more likely.

A custom mouthguard, whether for sports or nighttime grinding, is one of the most effective protective measures available.

Ready to Get Your Tooth Fixed?

A chipped tooth is almost always repairable, and in many cases, the process is straightforward and completed in a single visit. The sooner you have it evaluated, the more options are typically available.

Contact St. George Dental Care to schedule an appointment or ask about same-day treatment options.

Phone: (435) 628-9099

Address: 444 E Tabernacle St #1, St George, UT 84770

Schedule with Saint George Dental Care Today

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
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