Broken or Chipped Tooth: First Steps and Treatment
A broken or chipped tooth ranges from a cosmetic nuisance to a true emergency. Here’s how to handle it and the ways we can restore it.
What you may be experiencing
A broken tooth might be a tiny chip you can barely feel, a rough edge that catches your tongue, or a larger break that’s painful and sensitive. If the break exposed the inner part of the tooth, you may notice sharp sensitivity to air, hot, or cold.
Even a small chip is worth checking — it can leave the tooth weaker and more prone to a bigger fracture later.
Common causes
- Biting down on something hard (ice, popcorn kernels, a fork)
- A fall, sports injury, or blow to the mouth
- A large old filling that has weakened the surrounding tooth
- Decay that has hollowed out and weakened the tooth
- Long-term grinding or clenching
Can it wait? A quick guide
Call us today
- A large break with pain, bleeding, or an exposed nerve
- A sharp fragment cutting your tongue or cheek
- A break from a fall or injury (check for other injuries too)
A regular appointment is fine
- A small chip with no pain
- A rough edge that’s more annoying than painful
What you can do right now
- Save any broken pieces in a container (milk or saliva if possible)
- Rinse your mouth with warm water; use gauze for any bleeding
- Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum, and avoid chewing on that side
How we help at Highmark Dental Care
- Tooth-colored bonding to rebuild a small-to-moderate chip in one visit
- A crown to protect and restore a more heavily broken tooth
- A veneer for a front tooth where appearance matters most
- If the tooth can’t be saved, gentle extraction and a clear plan for replacement
Cost & insurance
The right treatment — and its cost — depends on what we find during your exam, so we’ll always explain your options and the fees clearly before we begin anything. We accept many dental insurance plans and file your claims as a courtesy; any benefit estimate is exactly that — an estimate, and you’re responsible for what your plan doesn’t cover. We also accept cash, check, and major credit cards, with flexible payment arrangements available. See our Insurance page for the plans we accept — and we’re glad to help you understand your benefits before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small, painless chip usually isn’t urgent, but it should still be checked. A large break with pain, bleeding, or an exposed nerve should be seen the same day.
Can a broken tooth be fixed?
Almost always — with bonding, a crown, or a veneer, depending on the size and location. If a tooth is broken too far below the gum to save, we’ll walk you through replacement options.
What should I do with the broken piece?
Keep it and bring it with you, stored in milk or saliva. It won’t always be reusable, but it helps us assess the break.
Not sure how urgent it is? Just call.
Our team will help you decide the right next step — and we keep time open for emergencies with same or next-day appointments when needed.