The enamel covering your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn't make your smile invincible1. All it takes is a single bite of hard candy, an elbow to the face, or a night of grinding your teeth to chip a tooth. This can be an unsettling experience, but rest assured, it's pretty common, and a dentist can repair it. Here's how to fix a chipped tooth.
What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth (First-Aid Checklist)
A chipped front tooth can throw you off, but try not to panic. While you won't be able to fix the tooth at home, there are some steps you can take right away to protect it and keep yourself comfortable until you see your dentist. Here's what chipped tooth repair first aid looks like2:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply pressure with sterile gauze if it's bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and improve your comfort.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Cover jagged edges with dental wax to protect your tongue and cheeks against cuts. Most drugstores carry it. An alternative is a piece of sugarless chewing gum.
- Save the fragment if you can by storing it in milk and bringing it to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to reattach it.
Until you've seen a dentist, eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the injured side of your mouth3.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
While a chipped tooth isn't necessarily an emergency, it also isn't something you should ignore. And you definitely shouldn't expect it to heal itself. The question is how urgent your chipped tooth repair needs are. This guide helps you determine whether you can wait for an appointment or need to see a pro urgently.
Signs You Should Call an Emergency Dentist Today
Visit an emergency dentist if you notice any of these signs3:
- You're bleeding heavily, and it won't stop.
- You're in significant pain.
- There is noticeable swelling.
- The tooth has been knocked out completely.
- The chip is large enough that the tooth's inner pulp may be exposed. If this is the case, you might notice sharp sensitivity to pressure or hot or cold temperatures.
Signs You Can Wait for a Regular Appointment
An emergency dental appointment isn't always needed. You can wait for a regular dental appointment if your injury checks the following boxes4:
- The chip is small and purely cosmetic.
- You are experiencing little to no pain.
- You have no signs of swelling or bleeding.
- The edge is slightly jagged but not cutting your tongue or cheek.
Whichever chipped tooth treatment option is appropriate for your circumstances, it is imperative that you seek care. Even a slight fracture in the enamel can allow bacteria to penetrate to the deeper layers of the tooth. This can lead to potential infection that requires more serious treatment, like a root canal or an extraction5.
How Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth: 5 Treatment Options
The right treatment for a chipped tooth depends on the severity of damage. The only way to know this for sure is to have a dentist take a look. Depending on the circumstances, they may recommend one of these chipped tooth treatment options.
Dental Bonding (Minor Chips)
With this process, a dentist applies a composite resin directly to the chip. The resin is tooth-colored and, once hardened, has a natural-looking finish that blends in with the surrounding teeth.
Dental bonding for a chipped tooth is a quick and relatively easy procedure that can usually be completed in a single visit. You can expect little to no discomfort. It's also long-lasting and should keep your fixed tooth in good shape for up to 10 years5.
Porcelain Veneers (Visible Front-Tooth Chips)
Veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure that's ideal for a visibly chipped front tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of high-grade ceramic—strong, durable, and stain-resistant. They are made in a lab and match the appearance of natural teeth.
Veneers need two appointments. During the first, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the tooth's surface and takes an impression, which is sent to the dental lab that makes your veneer. In the second (one to two weeks later), your dentist bonds the veneer to the tooth using a special cement3. Veneers last up to 20 years with proper care6.
Dental Crown (Severe Chips and Back Teeth)
For more severe chips or those affecting the back teeth, your dentist may suggest a dental crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire tooth and protects it from further damage while also restoring its appearance and function. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both3.
A crown usually requires two appointments. First, your dentist prepares the tooth and places a temporary crown. During a second visit two to three weeks later, a permanent crown is fitted and cemented in place3. Crowns are a common restorative dentistry fix and can last 10 to 15 years7.
Root Canal + Crown (Chips That Expose the Pulp)
If a chip is severe enough to expose the tooth's pulp—the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—there is a risk of bacteria entering and causing infection. If you are experiencing significant pain or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, the pulp may be exposed. Your dentist can confirm if this is the case. If so, you'll need a root canal before the crown is placed3.
The words "root canal" make many people nervous. Despite the scary reputation this dental procedure has, it's usually no more painful than getting a regular filling. After the root canal, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its appearance and function3.
Extraction and Replacement (Last Resort)
An extraction and replacement is only necessary in the rare instance that the tooth is so badly damaged that it can't be saved or the crack is below the gum line. If you find yourself in this position, your dentist will remove the damaged tooth and recommend a fitting replacement option to restore your smile and keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place3.
The most common replacement is a dental implant. This consists of a titanium post inserted into the jawbone, with a crown placed on top. Implants look, feel, and function like a normal tooth and are designed to last a lifetime2.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
The cost of fixing a chipped tooth will depend on the type of repair and whether that procedure is covered by dental insurance.
Costs With and Without Dental Insurance
If you don't have dental insurance, you'll have to pay for your chipped tooth repair out of pocket. Here's a breakdown of what those costs might look like8:
- Dental bonding: $28 –$915
- Porcelain veneers: $500–$2,895
- Dental crown: $800–$2,500
Naturally, more complex procedures will cost more to cover both the treatment of the tooth itself and the protective solution:
- Root canal and crown: $1,500–$4,6009
- Extraction and implant: $3,050–$7,50010
Dental insurance typically covers chipped tooth repair when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If you don't have insurance, Beam's membership plans can make treatment more affordable.
How to Prevent Future Chipped Teeth
While nobody plans to chip a tooth and you can't guarantee it won’t happen, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk. Try these tips4:
- If you grind your teeth at night, have your dentist fit you for a nightguard.
- If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard.
- Use your teeth only for chewing or biting food—not opening packages, drinks, etc.
- Protect your enamel by avoiding sugary and acidic foods.
- Practice good dental hygiene: Brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for professional cleanings.
Why Choose Beam Dental for Chipped Tooth Repair in NY & NJ
If you've chipped a tooth, Beam Dental is here to help, with locations across New York and New Jersey. We offer broken tooth repair near you in Flushing, Union Square, Williamsburg, Edgewater, Edison, Fort Lee, Hoboken, Jersey City, and West Long Branch.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and will check your coverage and walk you through your options before treatment. If you're uninsured, we offer membership plans, new-patient bundle discounts, and 0% APR financing options to make care accessible regardless of your situation. HSA and FSA benefits are also welcome.
Make an appointment to address your dental concerns and build a better oral hygiene routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
No, tooth enamel cannot regenerate, so a chipped tooth will not heal on its own and always requires professional treatment.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
While not always a dental emergency, a chipped tooth warrants a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. Even minor chips can leave you more vulnerable to bacteria and infection.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth without insurance?
The cost of fixing a chipped tooth can range from $288 for simple dental bonding to $7,500 for an extraction plus implant. The price will depend on the severity of damage.
Will dental insurance cover chipped tooth repair?
Dental insurance will usually cover chipped tooth repair if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Purely cosmetic treatments, such as veneers, may not be covered.
How long does dental bonding for a chipped tooth last?
Dental bonding for a chipped tooth can last up to 10 years with proper care.
Can I fix a chipped tooth at home, even temporarily?
No, you can't fix a chipped tooth at home. However, you can apply dental wax or sugarless chewing gum to cover any sharp edges and protect your mouth until you see a dentist.
Sources:
- 5 Reasons Your Smile Is Stronger Than You Think. MouthHealthy, American Dental Association. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/5-reasons-your-smile-is-stronger-than-you-think
- Whelan, C. (2 February 2024). How to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth: Options and Costs. CareCredit. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/restoring-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth/
- Dunkin, M.A. (20 January 2025). Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth. WebMD. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth
- (30 April 2024). Chipped Tooth. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/chipped-tooth
- (28 March 2022). How to Fix a Chipped Tooth: Five Possible Ways. Penn Dental Medicine. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/chipped-or-cracked-teeth/
- What Are Veneers And How Should You Care For Them? Colgate. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.colgate.com/en-sa/oral-health/veneers/what-are-veneers-and-how-should-you-care-for-them-0814
- Lindberg, S. (19 January 2021). How Long Can You Expect a Dental Crown to Last? Healthline. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-crown-last
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth Without Insurance? Aflac. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.aflac.com/resources/dental-insurance/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth-without-insurance.aspx
- Dental Insurance Coverage for Root Canal Treatments. Aflac. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.aflac.com/resources/dental-insurance/dental-insurance-coverage-for-root-canal-treatments.aspx
- How Much Are Dental Visits Without Insurance? Aflac. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.aflac.com/resources/dental-insurance/dental-visit-cost-with-and-without-insurance.aspx
