A chipped or cracked tooth can happen biting into something hard, during sport, or after a fall. Some chips are purely cosmetic, while some cracks need attention quickly to protect the nerve. Here is what to do in the first hour and what repair options usually look like.
Over-the-counter pain relief, taken as directed on the packet, can help until you are seen.
A small chip with no pain can usually wait for a regular appointment within a few days. Call us the same day if the tooth is painful, sensitive to air or temperature, has a sharp edge cutting your tongue, or if you can see pink or red in the centre of the break, which can mean the nerve is exposed. Our emergency dentist page explains how same-day appointments work.
A chip is a small piece of enamel broken off, often on a front tooth. A crack runs into the tooth and may not be visible, but often causes a sharp pain when you bite or release. A fracture is a larger break, sometimes extending below the gum. Each needs a different repair, so an examination and sometimes an X-ray come first.
Minor chips are usually repaired with tooth-coloured composite bonding. The dentist shapes the material onto the tooth and polishes it to match. It is often done in one visit, and many small chips need little or no anaesthetic.
When a larger portion of the tooth is missing or a crack weakens the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended to hold it together and protect it from further damage. If the crack has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed first. For front teeth, a veneer is sometimes an option for cosmetic chips.
If a crack extends deep below the gum line, the tooth may not be saveable. In that case we will talk you through options for replacing it.
Cracks tend to grow over time. Bacteria can get into the crack and reach the nerve, turning a straightforward repair into a more involved one. Getting a cracked tooth checked early usually means a simpler and less costly fix.
No. Enamel does not grow back, so a chip will not repair itself. Small chips can be smoothed or bonded, and larger breaks need a restoration.
It is urgent if there is pain, swelling, bleeding or an exposed nerve. A small painless chip can usually wait a few days for a normal appointment.
It depends on the repair. Composite bonding for a small chip costs far less than a crown. We confirm the cost after examining the tooth and before starting.
Chew on the other side and avoid hard, very hot or very cold food until the tooth has been checked, to reduce the risk of the crack spreading.