A chipped tooth can happen from a fall, a sports hit, or just biting down on something hard. It is one of the most common dental injuries, and most chips are minor and fixable. Not every chip needs treatment, but every chip should be checked, because even a small one can let bacteria in or get worse over time.
If you are in Glendale and just chipped a tooth, call us. We see emergency patients the same day. In the meantime, the steps below will help you protect the tooth and stay comfortable until you get here.
What to Do Right Away
Stay calm. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, press a piece of gauze on the area until it stops. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling. If you found the broken piece, keep it in a bit of wet gauze and bring it with you. An over-the-counter pain reliever can help while you wait.
- Rinse with warm water
- Gentle pressure to stop bleeding
- Cold compress for swelling
- Save the broken piece in wet gauze
- Call us for a same-day visit
Chips in Children vs. Adults
Chipped baby teeth are common in kids. The main concern is protecting the permanent tooth that is still developing underneath. For adults, the goal is to keep the tooth strong and prevent further damage. In both cases, treatment depends on the age of the patient and how deep the chip is, and prompt care gives the best result.
How We Repair a Chipped Tooth
Small chips can often be smoothed and polished, a treatment called cosmetic contouring. Sometimes we can reattach the broken piece. Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to rebuild the missing area. For larger or more visible chips, a veneer or crown restores the shape and strength. Deeper chips that reach the nerve may need a root canal first. Extraction is rare and only when the tooth cannot be saved.
- Contouring for minor chips
- Bonding with tooth-colored resin
- Veneer or crown for larger chips
- Root canal if the nerve is involved
Caring for the Repaired Tooth
Brush twice a day and floss at least once. Follow any aftercare instructions we give you. Avoid biting hard foods or objects with the repaired tooth, and keep your follow-up visits and regular checkups so we can make sure the repair is holding up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a chipped tooth diagnosed?
We look closely at the tooth, ask how it happened and what you are feeling, and may use magnification or X-rays to see how deep the damage goes and whether the nerve is affected.
How long does the repair take?
It depends on the damage. Most chips are repaired in a single office visit. Even a same-day crown can be made and placed in about one to two hours.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic contouring?
Someone with a minor chip and enough enamel. Contouring removes only about 1 to 2 millimeters of enamel to smooth the edge, so it is not for deeper damage.
What makes teeth more likely to chip?
Tooth decay, grinding your teeth, acidic foods and drinks, and acid reflux all weaken enamel and make chips more likely.
How is a veneer placed?
We take a mold of the tooth, clean and prepare it, then bond the veneer in place with a dental cement that is hardened with a special light.
Chipped a Tooth? Call Us Today
Call (623) 400-6009 and we will see you the same day.
