You bite into something hard. You cop an elbow playing weekend sport. You trip on a kerb in the Valley on a Friday night. However it happens, a chipped tooth is disorienting. Your tongue finds the rough edge immediately, and the question is the same every time: what do I do now?
Here is a straightforward guide to handling a chipped tooth, from the first few minutes through to the repair appointment.
Immediate steps
1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. This clears debris and gives you a clearer view of the damage. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag.
2. Find the fragment if you can. Store it in a small container of milk or saline (contact lens solution works). Your dentist may or may not be able to use it, but it helps them understand the fracture pattern.
3. Manage pain. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. Avoid aspirin directly on the gum as it can cause tissue burns.
4. Protect the tooth. If the chip has left a sharp or jagged edge, you can cover it temporarily with sugar-free gum or dental wax (available from most pharmacies) to prevent it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
5. Avoid certain foods. Stay away from very hot, very cold, or hard foods on that side until you see your dentist. If the chip has exposed deeper tooth structure, temperature sensitivity is common.
Is it an emergency?
Not every chipped tooth needs same-day treatment. Here is a rough guide:
See your dentist within 24 hours if:
- The chip is large and exposes pink or dark tissue inside the tooth (this may be the pulp)
- You are in significant pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter medication
- The tooth feels loose
- There is heavy or persistent bleeding
- A large section of the tooth has broken away
Book within a few days if:
- The chip is small and cosmetic (a corner or edge)
- There is no pain, or only mild sensitivity
- The tooth feels stable
- No visible exposure of inner tooth layers
If you are unsure, book an emergency appointment online at any time. During opening hours, Ivy Dental's team can help assess urgency over the phone and choose the right appointment. We are open seven days at Everton Park and Nundah.
How severity affects treatment
Chips range from minor cosmetic damage to structural fractures. Your dentist will assess the chip, usually with a clinical examination and an X-ray, and recommend treatment based on what they find.
Minor chip (enamel only)
The outermost layer of the tooth is chipped, but the underlying dentine is not exposed. These chips are painless or cause only mild roughness. They are common on front teeth.
Typical treatment: Cosmetic smoothing (reshaping the edge) or composite bonding. Bonding involves applying tooth-coloured resin to rebuild the chipped area. It is done in a single appointment and typically starts from around $250 per tooth.
Moderate chip (into dentine)
The chip extends through the enamel into the dentine layer. You may notice sensitivity to temperature or sweetness. The tooth may appear yellowish at the chip site because dentine is naturally darker than enamel.
Typical treatment: Composite bonding for smaller areas. For front teeth where aesthetics are important, a porcelain veneer may provide a more durable and natural-looking result, starting from $1,200 per tooth. For back teeth, a ceramic onlay or crown may be more appropriate.
Severe chip or fracture (pulp exposure)
The fracture extends deep enough to expose or come close to the nerve (pulp). This usually causes significant pain and may involve bleeding from the tooth itself.
Typical treatment: Root canal treatment to address the damaged nerve, followed by a crown to restore the tooth structurally. In some cases, if the fracture extends below the gum line or vertically through the root, extraction may be the only option. Your dentist will explain all viable alternatives before proceeding.
Book a chipped tooth assessment
Repair options compared
Here is a practical comparison of the main repair options for chipped teeth:
Composite bonding. Tooth-coloured resin applied and shaped directly on the tooth. One appointment. Starts from around $250 per tooth. Ideal for small to moderate chips. May need replacement or touch-up after 5 to 7 years, as composite can stain or wear over time. Read our veneers vs bonding guide for a detailed comparison on front teeth.
Porcelain veneer. A thin porcelain shell bonded to the front surface of the tooth. Two to three appointments. Starts from $1,200 per tooth. Better colour stability and durability than composite. suited to front teeth with moderate damage or when you want a longer-lasting cosmetic result.
Dental crown. A full-coverage restoration that caps the entire tooth. Two appointments (or same-day with CEREC digital milling). Starts from $1,600. Recommended when the chip involves significant structural loss, particularly on back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces.
Your dentist will recommend the option that balances longevity, aesthetics, and cost for your specific situation.
Cost and payment
Indicative pricing at Ivy Dental:
- Composite bonding: from $250 per tooth
- Porcelain veneer: from $1,200 per tooth
- Dental crown: from $1,600 per tooth
- Root canal (if needed): from $900 per tooth
- Emergency examination: from $180
Your quote may differ based on clinical assessment. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, a portion of these costs may be claimable. We process health fund claims on the spot with HICAPS.
For larger treatment plans, payment plans may be available to approved applicants.
Preventing chipped teeth
Some chips are pure accident. Others are preventable.
Wear a mouthguard for sport. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer significantly better protection than boil-and-bite options from the pharmacy. This applies to contact sports, but also to activities like mountain biking, skateboarding, and basketball where falls and collisions happen.
Do not use your teeth as tools. Opening bottles, tearing packaging, and holding pins are common causes of chips.
Address grinding. If you clench or grind your teeth, particularly at night, the repeated stress weakens enamel and makes chips more likely. A night guard or occlusal splint can help protect your teeth while the underlying habit is managed.
Avoid chewing ice and hard lollies. These are among the most common causes of chips that we see at the practice.
Next steps
If you have chipped a tooth, the most important thing is to get it assessed. Even small chips can develop into larger problems if the edge is left rough or the underlying structure is compromised.
Ivy Dental is open seven days across our Everton Park and Nundah locations in north Brisbane. Book a consultation online or call (07) 3266 7120.
