What Should I Do If I Chip or Break a Tooth?

What Should I Do If I Chip or Break a Tooth?

Martin Dentistry – Indianapolis, IN & Fishers, IN

Dr. Matt Martin • Dr. Stephanie Martin • Dr. Lindsey Garrison • Dr. Kyle Meding

A chipped or broken tooth can happen unexpectedly—during a meal, from a fall, or even from biting down on something harder than expected. While it may feel alarming, knowing what steps to take immediately can protect your tooth and prevent further damage.

Below is an educational, step-by-step guide to what you should do if you chip or break a tooth, along with what to expect from your dentist during treatment.

1. Rinse Your Mouth Gently

• As soon as the tooth is injured, rinse your mouth with warm water. This helps clean the area and remove any tooth fragments or debris.
• If you can locate the broken piece of the tooth, keep it moist in milk or saliva—your dentist may be able to evaluate it.

2. Apply Pressure if There Is Bleeding

• If the injury causes bleeding, gently press a piece of clean gauze to the area.
• Bleeding usually stops within a few minutes, but if it continues, keep applying light pressure.

3. Reduce Swelling or Sensitivity

• A chipped or broken tooth can irritate the surrounding tissues. To reduce discomfort:
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
• Avoid chewing on the injured side
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if necessary

4. Protect Sharp Edges

• A broken tooth may feel sharp or jagged. Until you can see a dentist, you can:
• Cover the edge with dental wax (available at most pharmacies)
• Use sugar-free gum as a temporary buffer
• This helps protect your tongue and cheek from irritation.

5. Avoid Hot, Cold, or Hard Foods

• Exposed tooth structures can become sensitive. Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or cold temperatures until your dentist evaluates the area.

6. Call Your Dentist Promptly

Not all tooth injuries are emergencies, but they should always be evaluated. Even a small chip can lead to:

• Increased sensitivity
• Further cracking
• Decay
• Infection

At Martin Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN and Fishers, IN, our team helps patients understand the severity of the chip or fracture and the best treatment options based on the tooth’s condition.

Common Treatments for a Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Dental Bonding: Ideal for small chips, dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to restore the natural shape of the tooth. It is quick, non-invasive, and blends seamlessly with your smile.
• Dental Crowns: For larger breaks, a crown may be needed to protect the remaining tooth structure. Crowns help restore function and prevent the tooth from cracking further.
• Veneers: If the damage is mainly cosmetic—especially on front teeth—a veneer may be recommended to restore appearance while protecting the surface.
• Root Canal Therapy: If the break exposes the inner tooth pulp or causes severe pain, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the damaged nerve and prevent infection.
• Extraction (Only When Necessary): In rare cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be needed. Your dentist will discuss replacement options such as implants or bridges to maintain oral health.

When Is It a Dental Emergency?

• Seek immediate care if you experience:
• Severe pain
• A large portion of the tooth broken off
• A tooth knocked out entirely
• Signs of infection (swelling, warmth, discharge)

Timely treatment improves the chances of saving the tooth and reduces the risk of complications.

Even minor chips can worsen over time, so it’s important to have any broken tooth evaluated promptly. At Martin Dentistry in Indianapolis and Fishers, our dentists—Dr. Matt Martin, Dr. Stephanie Martin, Dr. Lindsey Garrison, and Dr. Kyle Meding—provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment to protect your long-term oral health.