Chipped, cracked, or broken?
reach us today.

What to do right now

• Save any large pieces. If a chunk of tooth came off, place it in a small container with milk or saliva and bring it with you.
• Rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek if there’s swelling.
• Don’t chew on that side until we’ve looked at the tooth.
• Cover sharp edges with a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek.

Common types of breaks

Not all breaks are the same, and the repair changes accordingly. Dr. Sanie will examine the tooth, take an x-ray, and explain what he sees in plain terms.

• Small chip. Often fixed with a tooth-colored filling or cosmetic bonding in a single visit.
• Larger break, no nerve exposure. Usually rebuilt with an inlay/onlay or a crown.
• Break that reaches the nerve. A root canal will likely be needed before placing a crown.
• Vertical fracture below the gum line. The most serious type, sometimes the tooth can’t be saved and an extraction with replacement is the kindest path.

Why fast matters

Even a tooth that doesn’t hurt right after the break can become painful or infected over the following days as bacteria reach the inside. A quick visit lets us seal the tooth, protect it from further damage, and avoid bigger problems later.

If it’s a front tooth

We know how visible a chipped front tooth feels. In most cases we can have you looking like yourself by the end of the same appointment with cosmetic bonding, and discuss longer-term options like veneers if you’d like a more permanent solution.