What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth: A Practical Guide
A chipped or broken tooth can happen fast: a hard bite, a fall, an old filling that gives out, or even nighttime grinding. Sometimes it is only a small cosmetic issue. Other times, it can expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth and quickly become painful or infected.
Here is what to do right away, how to tell if it is an emergency, and what treatment options your dentist may recommend.
Step 1: Check the damage and protect the area
If you have bleeding:
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth for 10 to 15 minutes. If bleeding will not slow down, call a dental office right away.
If you have pain or swelling:
Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek in 10-minute intervals. This helps reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Rinse gently:
Swish warm water and spit. If you suspect the tooth is cracked deeper, avoid aggressive rinsing or poking the area.
Avoid chewing on that side:
Even a small chip can turn into a bigger break if you keep biting with it.
Step 2: Save any tooth fragment if you can
If a piece of tooth broke off and you can find it, place it in:
Milk, or
Saline solution, or
A clean container with a little water
Bring it to your appointment. In some cases, it can help your dentist evaluate the fracture or potentially use it during the repair plan.
Step 3: Do not do these common “quick fixes”
Do not use super glue or household adhesives. They are not safe for oral tissue.
Do not chew aspirin or place it directly on gums. It can irritate or burn the tissue.
Do not ignore sharp edges. If the tooth is jagged, it can cut your cheek or tongue.
Do not wait if you have significant pain. Pain can be a sign the nerve is involved.
If the edge is sharp and you cannot be seen immediately, you can use temporary dental wax (available at many pharmacies) to cover the area until your visit.
How to tell if a chipped or broken tooth is an emergency
Call a dentist as soon as possible if you have any of the following:
Moderate to severe pain
Sensitivity that lingers (especially to cold or air)
Visible crack lines or a piece missing near the gumline
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
Bleeding that does not stop
A loose tooth after trauma
Fever or a bad taste in your mouth (possible infection)
Even if it does not hurt, a broken tooth is still worth evaluating soon. Small fractures can progress, and exposed areas are more likely to decay.
What your dentist may recommend (common treatment options)
The best treatment depends on how deep the damage goes, whether an old filling is involved, and if the nerve is affected. For very small chips limited to enamel, your dentist may smooth or contour the edge to prevent irritation. Small to medium chips can often be repaired with tooth-colored bonding to restore the tooth’s shape and appearance, especially on front teeth. If a larger portion of the tooth is missing or the tooth is weakened, a crown may be recommended to protect it long term.
If the crack reaches the inner pulp where the nerve lives, root canal treatment may be needed to remove infection and save the tooth. In cases where the tooth is fractured too severely, such as below the gumline or split in a way that cannot be stabilized, extraction may be the safest option, followed by a discussion of replacement options like a bridge, implant, or partial denture.
Need help today?
If you chipped or broke a tooth, the safest move is to get it examined as soon as you can. Early treatment can prevent a minor issue from turning into a painful emergency.
Call iDental Family Dentistry & Orthodontics: 262-223-0280
Location: 1320 S Green Bay Rd, Racine, WI