Broken or Chipped Teeth

Immediate Self-Care

If you chip or break a tooth, there are steps you can take right away to manage the situation until you can see your dentist:

• Take acetaminophen or another over-the-counter pain reliever for discomfort
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• If the break has created a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with dental wax, sugarless chewing gum, or paraffin wax to protect your tongue and cheek
• Eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth
• If the tooth is bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of gauze

See your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection.

Dental Filling or Bonding

For small chips, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is on a front tooth or a tooth that shows when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding.

Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin that is shaped to match your natural tooth. The dentist roughens the remaining tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid, then molds the resin into place and smooths it to the right shape. An ultraviolet (UV) light is used to harden the material.

Dental Veneers

If a front tooth is broken or chipped, a dental veneer can make it look whole and healthy again. A veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite material that covers the front surface of the tooth.

Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface, take an impression, and have the veneer custom-made in a dental lab. When ready, the veneer is bonded to the tooth with a special cement.

Dental Crowns for Larger Breaks

If a large piece of tooth breaks off, or the tooth has significant decay, your dentist may need to place a crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects the remaining tooth structure.

Crowns can be made from several materials:

• Metal (gold or other alloys) - very durable, often used for back teeth
• Porcelain fused to metal - looks natural with a strong metal base
• All-resin - less expensive but may wear down over time
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain - the most natural-looking option

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the location of the tooth and the amount of damage.

Root Canal for Severe Breaks

If the break is large enough to expose the tooth's pulp (the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), bacteria from the mouth can enter and infect the pulp. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased, a root canal may be needed to remove it.

Signs that a root canal may be needed include:

• The tooth changes color (darkens)
• Sensitivity to heat
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums

Prevention Tips

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