A chipped tooth is common and usually repairable. The right repair depends on how much of the tooth has broken away, where the chip is and whether the inner part of the tooth has been affected.
What to do straight after the chip
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you find the broken piece, keep it in a clean container with milk or your own saliva and bring it to your appointment. In some cases it can be bonded back onto the tooth.
If the edge is sharp, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label if you need it, and avoid very hot, cold or hard food on that side until the tooth has been checked.
When to be seen quickly
Contact the clinic the same day if you have pain, swelling, a large piece missing, bleeding that does not settle, or a pink or red spot showing in the centre of the broken tooth. These can be signs that the nerve is exposed or the tooth is cracked deeper than it looks. See our dental emergency page for how to reach us.
If a whole adult tooth has been knocked out, contact a dentist immediately. For a serious facial injury, head injury or difficulty breathing, go to an emergency department.
Repair options your dentist may suggest
- Smoothing: a very small chip on the edge of a tooth may only need polishing to remove the rough edge.
- Composite bonding: tooth-coloured resin is matched to your tooth, shaped to rebuild the missing part and set with a curing light. It is usually done in one visit. Composite bonding at Dentaltech starts from €250 per tooth.
- Composite filling: for a chip on a back tooth or a chewing surface, a white filling can restore the shape and seal the tooth.
- Crown: for a larger break, or a tooth that already has a big filling, a crown covers and protects the whole tooth. Options include zirconia, E.max, porcelain and porcelain fused to metal.
- Root canal treatment: if the nerve is damaged or exposed, root canal treatment may be needed first, usually followed by a crown.
Why a small chip is still worth checking
A chip that looks minor can hide a crack running further into the tooth. Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray to check the root and surrounding bone. Treating a crack early is usually simpler than repairing a tooth that has split.
Sharp edges can also rub against your tongue or cheek and cause ulcers, so it is better not to leave them.
Looking after a repaired tooth
Avoid biting hard objects such as pens, ice, fingernails or packaging. Composite resin can pick up stains from tea, coffee and red wine over time, and it can chip again under heavy force.
If you grind or clench your teeth, ask whether a night guard would help protect the repair. Keep up your regular check-ups so the repair can be checked and polished.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about repairing a chipped tooth.
Does repairing a chipped tooth hurt?
Smoothing and composite bonding on the outer enamel often need little or no anaesthetic. Your dentist will discuss this with you before starting.
Can the broken piece be stuck back on?
Sometimes, if the piece is clean and intact. Keep it moist in milk or saliva and bring it with you.
How long does composite bonding last?
Dentaltech gives a typical range of 5 to 10 years, depending on your bite, habits and how well the tooth is cared for.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
Usually not, unless you have pain, swelling, a large break or a pink or red spot in the centre of the tooth. In those cases, contact the clinic the same day.
How much does chipped tooth repair cost?
It depends on the repair needed. Composite bonding starts from €250 per tooth. Your dentist will confirm the cost after examining the tooth.
Get your chipped tooth checked
Book an assessment at our Terenure, Swords, Wexford or Waterford clinic to find out which repair suits your tooth.