How to fix a chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken piece if you can. If the edge feels sharp, cover it with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.

If the tooth hurts, is bleeding, or the chip is large, contact a dentist soon. A chipped tooth can sometimes be a sign of deeper damage, even if it does not look serious at first.

Get help quickly if the tooth is very painful, loose, or has a crack that goes below the gumline. You should also get urgent care if the tooth is darkening, the chip exposed a lot of inner tooth, or you have swelling.

These signs can mean the nerve or root is affected. A dentist can check with an exam and X-rays and tell you what treatment is needed.

Small chips are often repaired with tooth-colored bonding, which uses a resin material to rebuild the edge. This is usually a fast and lower-cost option.

Larger chips may need a veneer, crown, or in some cases a root canal if the inner tooth is damaged. If the chip is very deep, the dentist may talk about other treatments based on the tooth’s condition.

Costs vary a lot by the size of the chip, the treatment, the dentist, and your city or state. In the U.S., bonding may cost about $100 to $600 per tooth, veneers may be about $900 to $2,500 or more per tooth, and crowns may be about $800 to $3,000 or more per tooth.

These are only general ranges. Only a dentist can give you a real quote after an exam.

If you want help finding a cosmetic dentist who speaks your language, Aurelia Smile can match you with participating dentists. The service is free for patients.

We help people who want clear information and a simple way to start. We do not replace a dental visit, and we do not make treatment decisions for you.