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.