It happens when you least expect it. One moment you’re biting into something crunchy, playing sports, or maybe just walking and suddenly crack. You realize something’s not quite right. You chipped a tooth.
Don’t panic. Chipping a tooth can be scary, but it’s also one of the most common dental injuries we see at Smiley Dental of Beverly and most of the time, we can fix it quickly, comfortably, and with minimal fuss.
Let’s talk about what to do if you chip a tooth, when it’s actually considered a dental emergency, and how to avoid bigger issues down the line.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 if you’ve chipped a tooth we’ll get you in fast
First Things First: Stay Calm
We know—seeing part of your tooth missing can be unsettling. But most chipped teeth don’t require immediate emergency treatment unless you’re in pain or bleeding heavily.
Here’s what to do right away:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area
- If there’s any bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
- Save the broken piece (if you can find it) sometimes we can reattach it
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there’s swelling
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we’ve seen you
Even if it doesn’t hurt, you should still give us a call. A small chip can turn into a bigger issue if it’s left untreated.
When Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
Not all dental chips are created equal. Here’s how to tell the difference between something that can wait a day or two and something that needs to be looked at ASAP.
Call us right away if:
- You’re in pain (especially sharp or throbbing pain)
- The tooth is bleeding and won’t stop
- There’s exposed pulp or nerve tissue (it might look red or raw)
- You’re having trouble eating, speaking, or closing your mouth comfortably
- The tooth is loose or broken below the gumline
If you’re not sure, just give us a call we’d rather you check in than worry at home.
Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
You’re not alone chipping a tooth happens more often than people think. Here are some of the most common reasons we see it in our Beverly office:
- Biting down on something hard (ice, candy, popcorn kernels, pens)
- Sports injuries (especially without a mouthguard)
- Slips, falls, or accidents
- Clenching or grinding your teeth (you might not even realize you do it)
- Tooth decay or weakened enamel
Some teeth chip more easily due to existing cracks or untreated dental work, which is why regular checkups can help catch potential problems before they break.
How We Fix a Chipped Tooth at Smiley Dental of Beverly
The good news? Fixing a chipped tooth is usually straightforward and painless. The treatment depends on how big the chip is and whether it’s affecting the inside of the tooth.
Here are the most common ways we restore chipped teeth:
Cosmetic Bonding
For small chips, we use tooth-colored resin to rebuild and reshape the missing part. It’s quick, affordable, and blends in beautifully with your natural tooth.
Dental Veneers
If the chip is on a front tooth and you’re looking for a longer-lasting cosmetic solution, we may recommend a veneer a thin shell that covers the front of your tooth.
Crowns
For larger chips, or if the tooth is weakened, a dental crown may be needed. A crown covers the entire tooth and restores full function while protecting what’s left underneath.
Root Canal and Crown
If the damage exposes the nerve or causes an infection, a root canal may be necessary before placing a crown. Don’t worry we make sure it’s as comfortable as possible.
We’ll walk you through all your options at your appointment so you can choose what feels right for you.
What About a Chipped Baby Tooth?
Kids chip teeth too—and it’s not always a big deal. If your child chips a baby tooth, give us a call so we can take a look and make sure there’s no damage to the permanent tooth underneath.
We may smooth the edge, apply bonding material, or simply keep an eye on it depending on the situation.
How to Prevent Chipped Teeth in the Future
Sometimes accidents happen—but there are definitely ways to reduce your chances of chipping another tooth:
- Don’t chew ice, pens, or hard candy
- Wear a custom mouthguard if you play sports (especially contact sports)
- Get fitted for a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
- Keep up with regular dental visits to spot weak spots before they become break points
If you’ve chipped a tooth before, let us know so we can monitor the area and protect it moving forward.
When in Doubt, Give Us a Call
You don’t have to diagnose your own dental emergency that’s what we’re here for. If you’re in Beverly and chip a tooth (or even think you might’ve chipped one), just call Smiley Dental. We’ll let you know what to do next and get you seen quickly if needed.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 now or text us our friendly team is here to help you feel better fast
Final Thoughts
Chipped teeth happen. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, and it definitely doesn’t mean you need to panic. With today’s dental techniques, most chipped teeth can be fixed quickly, comfortably, and beautifully sometimes in just one visit.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we’ve helped hundreds of patients feel whole again after chipping a tooth and we’re ready to do the same for you.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 today. Let’s get that tooth taken care of, so you can get back to smiling.
