Chipped or Broken Tooth? Here’s What to Do First — and What Comes Next

Dr. Prabigya Shiwakoti |  August 11, 2026  |  5 min read

First: how serious is the tooth chipped or broken?

Not all chips and breaks are equal. Here’s how I think about severity when a patient comes in:

Minor chip — enamel only

A small piece of the outer surface has broken off. No pain, no sensitivity, no sharp edge causing injury to your tongue or cheek. This isn’t super urgent. It can wait for a scheduled appointment, though you should still get it looked at — rough edges wear unevenly and small chips can grow into bigger problems if left alone. It’s always better to double check with proper exam and x-rays.

Moderate break — into the dentine

The break has gone deeper than the enamel into the softer layer beneath. You’ll likely notice sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods. Still not a same-day emergency in most cases, but you should be seen within a day or two. The exposed dentine needs to be covered before bacteria get a foothold.

Significant break — near or into the nerve

This is where it becomes urgent. Severe pain, pain that lingers after hot or cold, or pain that wakes you at night are all signs the nerve may be involved. This needs attention promptly — ideally the same day. The longer an exposed or compromised nerve is left, the more complex the treatment becomes.

Broken below the gumline or a fully knocked-out tooth

Both are dental emergencies. Call us as soon as you can. A knocked-out tooth has the bit of a chance of being saved if you act within the hour — keep it moist (in milk or between your cheek and gum) and get to us as fast as possible.

What to do right now

While you’re figuring out what to do next, a few things help:

Rinse with warm salt water

It won’t fix anything but it cleans the area and reduces bacterial load around the break and prevent chances of further infection.

Take care of sharp edges, if any

Sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheek — try to avoid running your tongue over the area and be careful chewing until you’re seen by the dentist.

Avoid temperature extremes

If the tooth is sensitive, stick to lukewarm food and drinks until you’re seen.

Don’t ignore pain

Over-the-counter pain relief can help short term, but pain is your tooth telling you something. It’s not something to manage indefinitely without treatment.

Find the fragment if it is big enough

In some cases a broken piece can be helpful for the dentist. If you are able to find it, take it to the dentist when you see them.

What treatment looks like — it depends on the damage

This is where I see a lot of confusion. People assume any chip means a crown, or that a broken tooth automatically needs to come out. Neither is true. Treatment is matched to the specific situation.

Dental bonding

For minor to moderate chips, composite bonding is often the first option I reach for. A tooth-coloured resin is shaped and bonded directly onto the tooth — mostly completed in a single appointment, and the result looks completely natural. It’s the most conservative option and tends to cost the least. The trade-off is longevity; bonding typically lasts 5–7 years before it needs touching up.

Porcelain veneer

For chips on front teeth where aesthetics matter significantly — particularly if the tooth has other cosmetic concerns alongside the chip — a veneer may be a better long-term solution. It covers the front surface of the tooth and is more durable than bonding. It does require removing a thin layer of enamel, which means it’s a permanent commitment.

Dental crown

Where a significant portion of the tooth has broken away, or where the remaining structure is weakened, a crown is often the right call. It covers the entire tooth, restores full function, and protects what’s left. For back teeth that take heavy chewing load, I recommend crowns more readily than for front teeth.

Root canal treatment

If the nerve is involved — either exposed by the break or inflamed as a result of it — a root canal removes the damaged nerve tissue before the tooth is restored with a crown. I know “root canal” carries a certain reputation, but a well-managed one is considerably more straightforward than most people expect. The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain of the untreated nerve — the treatment itself relieves it.

Extraction

The last resort, used only when the tooth can’t be saved — typically when the break extends well below the gumline or the root is fractured. If extraction is necessary, Next step is to discuss replacement options like dental implants, because leaving a gap has its own consequences over time.

What does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?

Costs vary considerably depending on which treatment is needed. Most private health funds with general or major dental extras will contribute to at least some of these treatments, depending on your level of cover and annual limits. Bonding often falls under general dental; crowns and root canals typically fall under major dental. Worth checking your policy before your appointment — our guide to dental benefits in private health funds walks through how extras cover works if you’re unsure.

The one thing I’d say to anyone sitting with a chipped tooth right now

Don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. Minor chips don’t heal — they either stay the same or get worse. Moderate breaks that are left untreated often become significant ones. And significant breaks that reach the nerve become far more involved to treat than they would have been a week earlier.

One of my patient from Abbotsford came in having sat on a chip for months, assuming it wasn’t serious enough to bother with, only to end up in a painful infection. Another patient from Five Dock came in when it was too late to save the tooth. In almost every case, earlier treatment would have been simpler and less expensive. The tooth doesn’t improve with time — but your options for treating it can narrow.

If you’re not sure whether what you have needs urgent attention, call us. We’d rather tell you it can wait than have you leave it when it shouldn’t.

Chipped or broken your tooth recently?

Book at Dock Dental in Five Dock — we’ll assess the damage, walk you through your options, and get it sorted as quickly as possible. Book online or call us on 02 7253 0333.

A few questions I get asked by my patients with broken or chipped tooth

Can a chipped tooth heal itself?

No. Enamel doesn’t regenerate. A chip stays a chip unless it’s treated — and untreated chips tend to grow over time from normal biting forces.

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

It depends on the severity. A minor enamel chip with no pain can wait a few days. Pain, sensitivity, a sharp edge causing injury, or a break near the gum line should be seen the same day or as soon as possible.

Will fixing a chipped front tooth look natural?

Yes — modern bonding and ceramic materials are matched closely to your natural tooth colour. In most cases the repair is undetectable at conversational distance.

How long does it take to fix a chipped tooth?

Bonding can be completed in a single appointment of about an hour. Crowns and veneers require two appointments — one to prepare and take impressions, one to fit the final restoration. If other treatments like root canal treatment is required it will add up time. Time to fix depends on your tooth condition and treatments chosen.

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