What to Do If You Chip a Tooth – A Quick Guide for Patients

Accidents happen. One moment you're enjoying a crunchy snack or playing weekend footy, and the next – you've chipped a tooth.
While it might seem like a minor issue, a chipped tooth can lead to bigger dental problems if left untreated. At Bright Dental Smile, we’re here to help you understand what to do next and how to restore your smile with expert care.

What Is a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth is exactly what it sounds like – a small piece of your tooth has broken off. It can range from a minor cosmetic concern to a more serious dental issue depending on the size and location of the chip. Common causes include:

• Biting into hard foods (ice, nuts, lollies)
• Sports injuries or falls
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Accidents or trauma to the mouth

Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?

Not all chipped teeth hurt, but they should never be ignored. A small chip may simply roughen the tooth surface, while larger ones can expose the inner layers of your tooth – the dentin or even the pulp – leading to pain, sensitivity, or infection.

If you notice:

• Sharp edges
• Pain when chewing or with temperature changes
• Bleeding or swelling around the tooth
  …it’s best to book an appointment as soon as possible.

What You Should Do Right Away

If you’ve chipped a tooth:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
2. Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling.
3. If possible, save the broken piece of tooth and bring it to your appointment.
4. Take paracetamol (not aspirin) for any discomfort.
5. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

Then, call us at Bright Dental Smile and we’ll fit you in for a priority appointment.

How Do We Treat a Chipped Tooth?

Treatment depends on how severe the chip is:

• Minor chips: We can often smooth the edge or use a tooth-coloured filling (composite resin) to rebuild the shape.
• Medium chips: If more tooth structure is lost, we may recommend a dental crown for strength and protection.
• Chips with nerve exposure: In these cases, root canal treatment may be required before restoring the tooth with a crown.
• Front tooth chips: We usually restore with composite bonding or veneers to maintain your smile’s appearance.

Can It Be Prevented?

While accidents can’t always be avoided, here are a few tips to lower your risk:

• Don’t use your teeth as tools (to open packaging, for example)
• Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports
• Treat teeth grinding with a nightguard
• Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups

Don’t Wait – Let’s Fix That Tooth!

A chipped tooth is common but treatable – and the sooner you act, the better your outcome will be. At Bright Dental Smile, we offer same-day emergency appointments, gentle care, and natural-looking restorations.

Need urgent dental care for a chipped tooth in Epping?
Call us now or book online – your smile is in safe hands.

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