Reviewed by Dr. Avy Ariyev, DDS · Smile Studio of Great Neck
Short answer: rinse with warm water, save any piece you find in milk or a damp cloth, and hold something cold against your cheek if it’s swelling. Then call your dentist the same day. Small chips are often fixed with bonding in one visit. Bigger breaks may need a veneer or a crown.
What should you do in the first hour?
First, don’t panic. Chipped front teeth are one of the most common calls we get, and most of them are very fixable.
Rinse gently with warm water. If you can find the broken piece, keep it in a little milk or wrapped in a damp cloth and bring it with you. If there’s bleeding, press clean gauze on it for a few minutes. A cold compress on your cheek helps with swelling. And if the edge is sharp and catching your tongue, a bit of sugar-free gum or dental wax over it will help until you’re seen.
The ADA has a handy dental emergencies guide if you want to keep it bookmarked.
When is it urgent?
Call right away if the tooth really hurts, you can see pink or red in the middle of it, the tooth feels loose, or you also hit your head or jaw. A head injury always comes first, so get medical care for that. For the tooth itself, book an emergency exam and let us know what happened.
How do dentists fix a chipped tooth?
It depends on how big the chip is. A small chip is usually repaired with bonding, often in one visit. If the chip is larger or the tooth is darker than its neighbors, a porcelain veneer may be the better long-term fix, at $1,795 to $2,200 per tooth.
A bigger break usually needs a crown, and we can often make that in our office the same day. Here’s how same-day crowns work. If the break reaches the nerve, the tooth may need root canal therapy first, followed by a crown.
Can the broken piece be glued back on?
Sometimes. It’s worth bringing it in. If it can’t be used, bonding is usually a good alternative.
What happens when you come in?
Tell our front desk you’ve chipped a tooth so we can fit you in as soon as we can. Dr. Ariyev will look at the tooth and may take an X-ray to see whether the crack goes deeper than it looks. He’ll explain your options and the cost before doing anything. Plenty of small chips get fixed with bonding at that same appointment.
Is it okay to wait if it doesn’t hurt?
It’s tempting, but we’d rather you didn’t wait long. Even a painless chip can crack further or let bacteria in, and enamel doesn’t grow back. Fixing it early usually means a smaller, simpler repair.
Why do front teeth chip?
Usually it’s something ordinary. Biting down on a fork, an olive pit, a fall, a ball during a pickup game. Teeth with large old fillings, or teeth that get ground at night, are more likely to chip. If you notice little chips showing up over time, mention it. It can be a sign of grinding, and a night guard can protect your teeth.
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday, and on the first Sunday of each month. If you chip a tooth outside those hours, follow the steps above and call us as soon as we open.
Frequently asked questions
Does fixing a chipped tooth hurt?
Bonding often doesn’t need numbing at all. For bigger repairs or crowns, we numb the area so you’re comfortable.
Will insurance help with the cost?
Repairs after damage are sometimes partly covered. We’ll check your benefits before starting.
Can a small chip wait a few days?
A small, painless chip can usually wait a few days, but get it looked at soon so it doesn’t get bigger.
Chipped a tooth? Call 516-487-3655 or book an emergency exam at Smile Studio of Great Neck.
Individual results vary. Prices are estimates; your exact cost is confirmed in writing at your consultation. This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for an exam.