A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can be alarming, but don’t panic—modern dentistry offers several quick and effective solutions to restore your tooth’s function and appearance. Whether your tooth damage is minor or severe, the right treatment depends on the size of the chip, the location of the tooth, and your overall oral health.
At Luxadent in Houston, Dr. Triana and Dr. Perez specialize in customized restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth quickly and comfortably. In this guide, we’ll explain your treatment options, when to seek emergency care, and how to prevent further damage.
Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Teeth
Your teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Some common reasons for chipped or broken teeth include:
- Biting down on hard foods (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels)
- Accidents or trauma (sports injuries, falls, car accidents)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) that wears down enamel over time
- Old fillings or weakened teeth that break under pressure
- Temperature changes (hot and cold foods causing expansion/contraction)
Regardless of the cause, a chipped or broken tooth should be treated promptly to prevent infection, further damage, or tooth loss.
Treatment Options for Chipped or Broken Teeth
1. Dental Bonding (For Small Chips or Minor Cracks)
Best for: Small chips in front teeth or minor cosmetic repairs
- Procedure: A tooth-colored resin is applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light
- Time Required: 30-60 minutes per tooth
- Durability: Lasts 3-10 years with proper care
- Pros: Quick, painless, affordable ($250 – $600 per tooth)
- Cons: Less durable than veneers or crowns, can stain over time
2. Porcelain Veneers (For Cosmetic & Structural Repairs)
Best for: Front teeth with larger chips, discoloration, or minor misalignment
- Procedure: A thin porcelain shell is bonded to the front of the tooth for a flawless appearance
- Time Required: Two visits (prep and placement)
- Durability: Lasts 10-15 years
- Pros: Natural-looking, highly durable, stain-resistant
- Cons: Requires minor enamel removal, higher cost ($1,000 – $2,500 per tooth)
3. Dental Crowns (For Large Chips, Cracks, or Weak Teeth)
Best for: Teeth with severe damage, large cracks, or significant enamel loss
- Procedure: A custom-made porcelain or zirconia cap covers the damaged tooth
- Time Required: Two visits (impression and placement)
- Durability: Lasts 10-20 years
- Pros: Strengthens and protects the tooth, looks natural
- Cons: Requires reshaping of the tooth, cost ($1,000 – $3,000 per crown)
4. Tooth-Colored Fillings (For Small to Medium-Sized Chips in Molars)
Best for: Small chips in back teeth that need minor restoration
- Procedure: A tooth-colored composite filling is placed in the damaged area
- Time Required: 30-60 minutes
- Durability: Lasts 5-10 years
- Pros: Quick, affordable, preserves more natural tooth structure
- Cons: Not as strong as a crown, may wear down over time
5. Dental Implants (For Severely Damaged or Missing Teeth)
Best for: Teeth that are beyond repair and need full replacement
- Procedure: A titanium implant post is placed in the jaw, topped with a custom crown
- Time Required: 3-6 months (healing and final restoration)
- Durability: Lifetime solution with proper care
- Pros: Most durable and natural-looking tooth replacement
- Cons: Longer process, higher cost ($3,500 – $7,500 per implant)
6. Root Canal Therapy (For Deep Cracks or Internal Damage)
Best for: Teeth with cracks extending into the pulp or nerve damage
- Procedure: The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is sealed with a crown
- Time Required: 1-2 visits
- Durability: Can last decades with a crown
- Pros: Saves the natural tooth, prevents extraction
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than a filling ($800 – $2,500), requires a crown for full protection
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
A chipped or broken tooth may not always require immediate treatment, but some cases need urgent attention. Seek emergency dental care if you experience:
- Severe pain or sensitivity that doesn’t go away
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- A large piece of the tooth is missing
- Signs of infection (swelling, pus, bad taste in the mouth)
- A knocked-out tooth (see emergency steps below)
At Luxadent, we offer same-day emergency dental care in Houston to treat urgent dental injuries.
What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth
Until you can see a dentist, follow these steps to protect your tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment if possible.
- Apply gauze if there is bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth until it’s repaired.
For a knocked-out tooth, try placing it back in the socket or store it in milk and see a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
How to Prevent Chipped or Broken Teeth
While accidents happen, you can reduce your risk of chipped or broken teeth by:
- Avoiding hard foods like ice, hard candy, and unpopped popcorn kernels
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports
- Not using your teeth as tools (to open packages or bite nails)
- Maintaining regular dental checkups to catch weak or decayed teeth early
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
A: No, once a tooth is chipped, it will not grow back. A dentist must repair it with bonding, a crown, or another restoration.
Q: Is fixing a chipped tooth painful?
A: Most minor repairs (bonding, veneers, fillings) are painless and require little to no anesthesia.
Q: How long does it take to fix a chipped or broken tooth?
A: It depends on the treatment:
- Bonding: 30-60 minutes
- Veneers: 2 visits (about 2 weeks)
- Crowns: 2 visits (about 2 weeks)
- Dental implants: 3-6 months for full restoration
Q: Does insurance cover chipped tooth repair?
A: Many insurance plans cover restorative treatments like crowns, fillings, and root canals. Our team at Luxadent will help you maximize your benefits.
Schedule a Chipped Tooth Repair Consultation at Luxadent
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, don’t wait—early treatment can prevent further damage and restore your smile quickly.Get back your confident smile—schedule your appointment today!