What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it—biting into something hard, a sports injury, or even an accidental fall. While some chips are small and only affect appearance, others may cause pain, sensitivity, or damage that worsens over time. If you’ve chipped your tooth, it’s important to take the right steps quickly to protect your oral health and prevent further complications. 

At Hathorne Family Dental in Danvers, MA, Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry has helped countless patients restore their smiles after a chipped tooth. This guide will walk you through what to do immediately after the injury, how dentists treat chipped teeth, and how you can protect your teeth in the future. 

Common Causes of Chipped Teeth 

Understanding how teeth chip can help you avoid future accidents. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Biting into hard foods – Crunching ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels can easily chip enamel. 

• Accidents and trauma – Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries often cause dental damage. 

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Chronic grinding wears down enamel, making teeth more prone to chips. 

• Poor oral health – Cavities and weakened enamel increase the risk of breakage. 

• Using teeth as tools – Opening bottles, tearing packages, or chewing on pens can lead to chips and cracks. 

Even strong, healthy teeth can chip under the right circumstances, so prevention and quick action are key. 

What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth 

If you chip your tooth, acting quickly can make a big difference in preventing pain, infection, or further damage. Here’s what you should do: 

Assess the Damage 

Check the extent of the chip by looking in a mirror or taking a photo. Is it a small surface chip, or is part of the tooth missing? Is there bleeding or severe pain? This will help you explain the situation to your dentist. 

Rinse Your Mouth 

Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth. This helps clean the area and wash away any debris. Avoid very hot or cold water, as the exposed tooth may be sensitive. 

Control Any Bleeding 

If the chip caused gum or lip injury, apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding. 

Save Any Pieces 

If a large portion of the tooth broke off, try to save the fragment. Place it in a clean container with milk or saliva and bring it with you to your dental appointment - sometimes, it can be reattached. 

Protect the Tooth 

If the chipped edge is sharp, cover it with dental wax (available at pharmacies), sugarless gum, or even a small piece of gauze to prevent cuts to your tongue or cheek. 

Manage Pain and Sensitivity 

Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Avoid chewing on the injured side. 

Call Your Dentist in Danvers, MA 

The most important step is to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even small chips can worsen if left untreated. At Hathorne Family Dental in Danvers, MA, Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry offers same-day emergency appointments for patients with dental injuries. Contact us to learn more. 

DON’T IGNORE A CHIPPED TOOTH - EVEN SMALL DAMAGE CAN LEAD TO BIGGER PROBLEMS. CALL HATHORNE FAMILY DENTAL IN DANVERS, MA, TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT WITH DR. KEERTHY CHILAKAMARRY. 

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth in Danvers, MA 

The right treatment depends on the size and location of the chip, as well as whether it affects the enamel, dentin, or pulp of the tooth. 

Dental Bonding 

• Best for: Small chips on front teeth. 

• How it works: A tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light to restore appearance and function. 

• Benefits: Quick, painless, and affordable. 

Dental Veneers 

• Best for: Visible front teeth with cosmetic chips. 

• How it works: A thin porcelain shell is bonded to the front of the tooth, covering chips and improving aesthetics. 

• Benefits: Natural look and durable solution for cosmetic concerns. 

Dental Crowns 

• Best for: Larger chips or damage that compromises tooth strength. 

• How it works: A custom-made cap covers the entire tooth to restore strength and appearance. 

• Benefits: Protects against further breakage and restores chewing ability. 

Root Canal Therapy 

• Best for: Chips that expose the inner pulp, causing pain or infection. 

• How it works: The damaged pulp is removed, the tooth is disinfected, and a crown is placed for protection. 

• Benefits: Saves the natural tooth and prevents extraction. 

Reattachment of Tooth Fragment 

• Best for: When a large piece breaks cleanly and is saved. 

• How it works: The dentist bonds the fragment back onto the tooth. 

• Benefits: Preserves natural tooth structure. 

Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry will carefully examine your chipped tooth and recommend the treatment that best restores your comfort, function, and smile. 

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Chipped Tooth? 

Some people ignore a chipped tooth if it doesn’t cause immediate pain. However, untreated chips can lead to serious complications, such as: 

• Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. 

• Sharp edges that cut the tongue or cheek. 

• Tooth decay from bacteria entering cracks. 

• Infection or abscess if the pulp is exposed. 

• Weakened structure leading to further breakage. 

Delaying treatment may turn a simple fix into a costly, complex procedure. 

Preventing Chipped Teeth in the Future 

While accidents aren’t always avoidable, you can take steps to reduce your risk: 

• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy. 

• Wear a mouthguard during sports and at night if you grind your teeth. 

• Practice good oral hygiene to keep teeth strong. 

• Don’t use your teeth as tools for opening packages or bottles. 

• See your dentist regularly for checkups to detect issues early. 

Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to chip, so prevention and routine care are essential. 

YOUR SMILE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO TAKE CHANCES. PROTECT YOUR TEETH TODAY. 

Living with a Chipped Tooth Before Treatment 

If you need to wait a day or two before your dental appointment, there are simple steps you can take to protect your tooth. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies, and avoid chewing on the side with the chip. Keep the area clean by brushing gently and rinsing after meals to prevent irritation. If the tooth has sharp edges, cover them with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheek. These temporary measures can keep you comfortable and prevent further damage until you see Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry at Hathorne Family Dental for treatment. 

Cosmetic Concerns with Chipped Teeth 

Even if a chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it can still affect your confidence. Many patients feel self-conscious about smiling when their front teeth are chipped. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions like bonding and veneers that restore both function and aesthetics. 

At Hathorne Family Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy smile that looks just as good as it feels. Dr. Chilakamarry uses advanced techniques and materials to ensure repairs blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

Conclusion 

A chipped tooth can feel alarming, but the good news is that modern dentistry offers many effective solutions. From bonding and veneers to crowns and root canal therapy, your smile can be fully restored. What matters most is acting quickly—addressing a chipped tooth early prevents complications, reduces discomfort, and preserves your oral health. 

At Hathorne Family Dental in Danvers, MA, Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry and our caring team are here to help with both emergency and routine dental needs. Whether your chip is small or severe, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and protect your long-term health. 

FAQs About Chipped Teeth 

• Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? 

Not always, but it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Severe chips with pain or bleeding should be treated urgently. 

• Can a chipped tooth heal on its own? 

No, teeth cannot heal themselves. Professional treatment is required to restore the tooth and prevent complications. 

• Will a chipped tooth always need a crown? 

No. Small chips may only need bonding, while larger ones may require veneers or crowns. 

• What should I do if my tooth chips at night or on the weekend? 

Call your dentist’s emergency line or seek urgent care. In the meantime, protect the tooth with dental wax and avoid chewing on it. 

• Can I still eat with a chipped tooth? 

Yes, but stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the damaged side until it’s treated. 

• Is repairing a chipped tooth painful? 

Most treatments, like bonding and veneers, are painless. For more complex cases, local anesthesia ensures comfort. 

• How long does it take to fix a chipped tooth? 

Bonding can often be done in one visit. Veneers and crowns may take two visits. 

• Will insurance cover treatment for a chipped tooth? 

Many insurance plans cover restorative treatments, but may not fully cover cosmetic options. 

• What if I chip a baby tooth? 

See a dentist right away. Treatment may vary depending on the severity and the child’s age. 

• How do I prevent my tooth from chipping again? 

Avoid hard foods, wear a mouthguard during sports or grinding, and maintain regular dental checkups.