Chipped or Cracked Tooth: What to Do Next

Teeth are remarkably strong, but they can still chip or crack — from biting something hard, a knock or fall, grinding, or simply an old, weakened filling giving way. Sometimes the damage is obvious; other times a hairline crack causes sharp pain when you bite down, yet is almost invisible to the eye.

If it happens, rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling, and save any broken pieces if you can. Avoid chewing on that side until you've been seen.

Treatment depends on the severity. A small chip may just need smoothing or bonding, a larger break might require a crown, and a crack that reaches the nerve could need a root canal. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing infection — so don't let a small problem become a painful, expensive one.