Chipped teeth are common
According to the American Association of Endodontists, chipped teeth are the most common dental injury. Chips come from accidents, but also from biting something hard on a tooth that has weakened enamel. It can be alarming, but it is often a mild problem. Try to stay calm and breathe slowly. Not every chip needs treatment, but have it checked so the tooth is protected.
What to do right away
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Press on any bleeding with clean gauze until it stops.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Save any pieces of the tooth. Wrap them in wet gauze or keep them in cold milk, and bring them to your appointment.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you need it, and call us to schedule a visit.
Children and adults
Chipped baby teeth are very common in children. When we treat one, the main goal is to protect the permanent tooth growing underneath. A child's permanent teeth are still developing, so a chip there needs prompt attention. For adults and kids alike, see a dentist as soon as you can.
How a chipped tooth is repaired
The repair depends on the injury. Options include:
- Reattaching the broken piece, when possible
- Cosmetic contouring, which smooths a small chip or jagged edge
- Dental bonding to rebuild missing tooth structure
- Veneers to cover the chip
- A root canal, if the chip reaches the pulp and it becomes infected
- Extraction, as a last resort when a root canal cannot save the tooth
Caring for a repaired tooth
We will give you instructions specific to your repair. In general:
- Brush gently twice a day and floss once a day
- Use toothpaste and mouthwash made for sensitive teeth
- Never use your teeth to open packages, and avoid biting down on very hard foods
- Keep up with routine checkups, usually every six months, so we can monitor the tooth
If a chipped tooth becomes loose or falls out, that is a dental emergency. Call us right away at (781) 289-3331. If it is out of the mouth, keep it moist and do not let it dry.
Common questions
How common are chipped teeth?
Very. The American Association of Endodontists reports that a chipped tooth is the most common type of dental injury. Avoid using your teeth to open non-food items and wear a mouthguard in contact sports.
How do teeth usually chip?
Most often through an injury, but weakened enamel also makes a tooth easier to chip when you bite something hard. A mouthguard for sports, and for sleep if you grind or clench, helps.
Why does my chipped tooth hurt?
The chip may have gone through the enamel and dentin and exposed the pulp inside the tooth. See your dentist as soon as you can.
What should I do with the piece that broke off?
Keep it moist, ideally in cold milk, and bring it with you. We may be able to reattach it, although that is not always possible.
What if the tooth falls out?
Contact your dentist immediately. If possible, the American Dental Association advises keeping the tooth moist, and putting it back in your mouth until you get further instructions.