# What should I do if I chip my tooth?

> The right first steps after a chip, what to save, and how we repair it once you are in the chair.

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Patient Education / 5 min read

# What should I do if I chip my tooth?

 January 15, 2026

![Dr. Ali Yazback talking through care with a patient at Miami Smile Dental in Pinecrest](https://miamismiledental.com/wp-content/themes/hello-elementor-child/assets/img/photos/dr-consult-smiling.jpg?v=1785156363)

The right first steps after a chip, what to save, and how we repair it once you are in the chair.

Chipped teeth happen, from a fall, a hard bite, or simple wear over time. The good news is that most chips are straightforward to treat once you are seen. The key is to stay calm and get a professional look at it promptly so a small problem stays small.

## How common is a chipped tooth?

Very. The American Association of Endodontists notes that chips make up a large share of dental injuries. Most resolve well with the right treatment, so a chip is rarely cause for panic, just a reason to be seen.

## What to do right away

While you arrange a visit, the American Dental Association suggests a few simple steps:

- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure until it stops.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to ease swelling.
- If you can find the broken piece, keep it in wet gauze and bring it with you.
- An over-the-counter pain reliever can manage discomfort in the meantime.

## Children versus adults

A chip is handled a little differently depending on the tooth. With a child's primary teeth, the priority is protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath. Adult teeth call for their own approach, which we tailor to the tooth and the extent of the damage.

## How we repair it

Depending on how much of the tooth is affected and where, the fix may be reattaching the fragment, smoothing and contouring the edge, dental bonding, a veneer, or, for deeper damage, a root canal or crown. We walk you through the options so you understand the trade-offs before anything is done.

## Caring for a treated tooth

Once repaired, keep up with brushing twice a day and regular flossing, go easy on the treated tooth while it settles, skip very hard foods for a while, and keep any follow-up visits so we can make sure it is holding up well.

![Dr. Ali Yazback talking with a patient at Miami Smile Dental](https://miamismiledental.com/wp-content/themes/hello-elementor-child/assets/img/photos/dr-consult-smiling.jpg?v=1785156363)

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