Chipped or Broken Tooth — What to Do & How We Can Help
Whether you bit down on something hard at dinner or took an elbow during a pickup basketball game, a chipped or broken tooth can be alarming. The good news is that modern dentistry can repair almost any break — and the sooner you act, the better the outcome.
What Causes Teeth to Chip or Break?
Biting hard objects is the most common cause — ice, popcorn kernels, olive pits, hard candy, and even pen caps can crack a tooth without warning.
Falls and impacts from sports, car accidents, or everyday slips can fracture front teeth. Wearing a mouthguard during sports drastically reduces this risk.
Tooth grinding (bruxism) weakens enamel over time. Patients who grind at night are much more likely to experience cracks and chips, especially on back teeth.
Large old fillings can weaken the remaining tooth structure. Teeth with large silver amalgam fillings are particularly prone to fracturing around the edges of the filling.
Untreated decay hollows out a tooth from the inside. What looks like a solid tooth on the outside may actually be fragile enough to break during normal chewing.
Types of Tooth Breaks
Not all breaks are equal. The type of fracture determines the urgency and the repair needed:
Minor chip (enamel only). A small piece of the outer enamel breaks off. The tooth may have a rough edge but usually doesn't hurt. This is not urgent but should be repaired within a few days to prevent the chip from growing.
Moderate fracture (into dentin). The break extends into the dentin layer below the enamel. You may feel sensitivity to temperature and air. See your dentist within 1-2 days.
Severe fracture (pulp exposed). The break reaches the nerve chamber. You'll likely see pink or red tissue and experience significant pain. This is a dental emergency — call immediately.
Split tooth or root fracture. The tooth is cracked vertically through the root. A vertical root fracture usually means the tooth cannot be saved and will need extraction followed by a dental implant.
Treatment Options for Broken Teeth
Your dentist will recommend the best repair based on the size, location, and severity of the break:
Dental bonding — for small chips on front or back teeth. Tooth-colored resin is sculpted onto the chipped area in a single visit. Cost: $300-$600 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers — for front teeth with larger chips or cosmetic concerns. A custom-made porcelain shell covers the entire front surface. Cost: $1,200-$2,500 per tooth.
Dental crowns — for moderate to severe breaks that compromise the tooth's structure. A crown covers the entire tooth to restore strength and shape. CEREC same-day crowns are available at our Scottsdale and Gilbert offices. Cost: $1,000-$1,800.
Root canal + crown — when the break exposes or damages the nerve. The nerve is removed and sealed, then a crown protects the tooth. Cost: $1,800-$3,000 combined.
Extraction + implant — when the root is fractured and the tooth cannot be saved. An implant provides a permanent replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
How to Prevent Broken Teeth
Wear a custom mouthguard for sports. Over-the-counter guards offer some protection, but custom-fitted guards from your dentist absorb impact far more effectively.
Get a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Ask your dentist — many patients grind without knowing it.
Replace large old fillings with crowns before they fail. Your dentist can identify fillings that are at risk during routine exams.
Don't use your teeth as tools. Opening packages, cracking nutshells, and tearing tape are common causes of broken teeth.
Keep up with regular dental visits so weak spots can be found and reinforced before they become breaks. Schedule your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Small chips need bonding, larger breaks need crowns, and even deep fractures can often be saved with a root canal and crown. Only vertical root fractures typically require extraction.
Small chips can wait a few days. Breaks that expose inner tooth layers or cause pain need same-day care. Even painless breaks should be seen quickly — cracks spread with chewing forces.
Bonding: $300-$600. Crown: $1,000-$1,800. Root canal + crown: $1,800-$3,000. Insurance typically covers a portion of restorative procedures.
Broken Tooth? We'll See You Today.
Same-day emergency appointments at all three Summit Ridge Dental locations. Call now — don't let a broken tooth get worse.