A chipped tooth can happen in an instant, whether from biting down on something hard, a fall, a sports injury, or an accident. While a small chip may seem minor, it is important to know what to do and when to seek care. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan treat chipped teeth every day and offer same-day emergency appointments so you are never left waiting in discomfort. Knowing how to respond calmly in the moments after a chip can protect your tooth and make treatment easier.
Do You Feel Any Pain?
The first thing to assess after chipping a tooth is whether you feel pain. A small chip limited to the outer enamel may cause little or no discomfort, while a deeper chip that reaches the sensitive inner layers can be painful or sensitive to air, hot, and cold. If you have pain, you can rinse with warm water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Either way, the tooth should be examined, because even a chip that does not hurt can leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage or decay over time.
Are you bleeding?
Check whether there is any bleeding from the gums, lips, or tongue, which can happen if the chip was caused by an impact. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and apply light pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cloth to any bleeding soft tissue until it stops. A cold compress held against the cheek can reduce swelling and ease discomfort. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, seek immediate medical attention, then follow up with our office to repair the tooth itself.
Was it your tooth or your child's?
How you respond can vary depending on whether the chipped tooth belongs to you or your child. Children's teeth chip for the same reasons adults' do, and a calm, reassuring approach helps a frightened child cope with the situation. Save any pieces, rinse the mouth gently, and call our office right away. We provide gentle care for patients of all ages, and we will guide you through the immediate steps and what to expect at the appointment, whether the patient is a busy adult or an active child.
Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth
Acting quickly and calmly after a chip gives your tooth the best chance of a smooth repair. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Rinse your mouth
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and clear away any small fragments. This helps you see the extent of the chip and reduces the chance of irritation from loose debris. Avoid vigorous swishing if the area is painful.
Step 2: Save any broken pieces
If you can find the broken piece or pieces of the tooth, save them. Place them in a small container with milk or, if needed, your own saliva to help keep them viable. In some cases the fragment can be useful, and bringing it with you allows us to assess exactly what happened to the tooth.
Step 3: Control any bleeding and swelling
If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze until it stops. To reduce swelling and ease discomfort, hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek near the affected area for short intervals. If a sharp edge of the chipped tooth is irritating your tongue or cheek, you can cover it temporarily with dental wax until you are seen.
Step 4: Call our office right away
Contact Infinite Dental Wellness as soon as possible at (818) 541-1110. Prompt evaluation is the best way to prevent further damage or infection and to restore the tooth's appearance and function. We offer same-day emergency appointments, so we can see you quickly and relieve any discomfort while planning the right repair.
Common Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Teeth are remarkably strong, but they are not indestructible. Understanding the common causes of chips can help you protect your smile. Biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels is a frequent culprit, as is using your teeth to open packages or hold objects. Accidents and falls, sports injuries, and car accidents can all cause sudden trauma to the teeth. Habits like grinding or clenching the teeth gradually weaken the enamel and make chips more likely, and large old fillings or untreated decay can leave a tooth more fragile and prone to breaking.
Knowing these causes is the first step toward prevention. Wearing a mouthguard during sports, addressing teeth grinding with a night guard, avoiding hard foods, and keeping up with regular dental care all help reduce your risk. Still, accidents happen to everyone, and when they do, knowing how to respond and where to turn makes all the difference.
Why You Should Not Wait to Be Seen
It can be tempting to put off treatment for a chipped tooth, especially if it does not hurt, but waiting can allow problems to develop. A chip can create a weak point where the tooth is more likely to crack further, and an exposed inner layer can become sensitive or allow bacteria to reach the pulp, leading to infection. Even a cosmetic chip on a front tooth is best addressed early, while the repair is simple. Seeking prompt care almost always means a faster, easier, and more affordable fix.
Ways We Restore Chipped Teeth
As a cosmetic and family dental practice, we offer several ways to restore a chipped tooth. The right option depends on the size and location of the chip and your goals for the final result. We will examine the tooth, explain your choices, and recommend the treatment that best restores both appearance and function.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is often the ideal solution for minor chips. We apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the chipped area, shape it to match the natural contours of the tooth, and harden it with a special light. Bonding is a conservative, efficient treatment that can frequently be completed in a single visit, blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth and restoring a natural look.
Dental veneers
For chips on front teeth or for patients who want to enhance the appearance of their smile at the same time, veneers can be an excellent choice. A veneer is a thin, custom shell, typically made of porcelain, that covers the front surface of the tooth. Veneers restore the shape of a chipped tooth and create a bright, uniform smile that looks completely natural.
Dental crowns and bridges
When a larger portion of the tooth has broken away, a dental crown may be needed to cover and protect what remains, restoring full strength and function. A crown is a custom cap that fits over the tooth. If a chip is part of more extensive damage involving missing teeth, a bridge can replace the missing teeth while anchoring to neighboring teeth. We will determine whether a crown or bridge is the best way to rebuild your smile.
Improve your smile
Repairing a chipped tooth is also an opportunity to improve your overall smile. Many patients choose to address other cosmetic concerns, such as stains or minor gaps, at the same time. We are happy to discuss how treatments like bonding, veneers, or teeth whitening can give you a brighter, more confident smile while we restore the chipped tooth.
Call us
If you have chipped a tooth, do not wait to get help. Call Infinite Dental Wellness at (818) 541-1110, and we will arrange to see you promptly, often the same day, to relieve any discomfort and restore your tooth.
Comfort, Gentle Care, and Modern Technology
We know a dental emergency can be stressful, and our team is here to put you at ease. We provide gentle, compassionate care for patients of all ages, and we use modern technology to make repairs precise, efficient, and comfortable. Infinite Dental Wellness is a mercury-free practice, and with options like same-day CEREC restorations and dental bonding, many chipped teeth can be repaired beautifully in a single visit so you can get back to your day.
When the ER Versus the Dentist Is the Right Choice
In the moment, it can be hard to know whether to head to the emergency room or call the dentist. The emergency room is the right choice for serious facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, a possible broken jaw, or any injury that affects your overall health and safety. However, the ER is generally not equipped to repair or restore the tooth itself. Once any urgent medical needs are addressed, you will still need to see a dentist to fix the chipped or damaged tooth. For most chips without serious trauma, calling our office directly is the fastest path to relief and repair, especially since we offer same-day emergency appointments. When in doubt, give us a call and our friendly, caring team can help you decide on the best possible next step for you.
Caring for Your Tooth After a Repair
After your tooth is restored, a few simple habits will keep it looking and feeling its best. Brush twice a day and floss daily, and avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or pens, which can chip teeth and restorations alike. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your smile, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard. Keeping up with regular checkups lets us monitor your restoration and catch any concerns early.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth depends on the treatment, from bonding for a small chip to a crown for a larger break. We review all costs with you before treatment begins. Infinite Dental Wellness accepts all PPO insurance plans, and our team will help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that we do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. We are committed to transparent pricing so you can make a confident decision about your care.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale
Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan are a USC-trained, husband-and-wife team dedicated to gentle, patient-focused dentistry. Our Glendale practice has earned a 4.9-star rating from more than 300 Google reviews, and we offer same-day emergency appointments, mercury-free care, and a welcoming environment for the entire family. When a chipped tooth disrupts your day, you want a caring team that can see you quickly and restore your smile with skill.
If you live in the Glendale area and have chipped a tooth, do not hesitate to reach out. Prompt treatment protects your tooth and makes the repair as simple as possible. Call (818) 541-1110 today to schedule your same-day emergency appointment, and let us help you get your smile and your comfort back.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
You do not have to live with dental concerns or put off the care you need. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, what should i do if i chip my tooth is delivered with the patience, skill, and attention to detail that have made us a trusted choice for families across the region. We will walk you through every option in plain language so you always feel informed and in control of your care.
- Personalized treatment plans built around your goals and budget.
- Honest guidance from USC-trained dentists Dr. Kiraj and Dr. Muradyan.
- Convenient Glendale location with on-site parking.
- Flexible scheduling, including same-day care for urgent needs.
Ready to get started? Call (818) 541-1110 or request an appointment online, and let our team show you how comfortable great dentistry can be.