Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces of the tooth, press gauze on any bleeding, and use a cold compress for swelling. Call a dentist soon, the same day if there is pain, a sharp edge cutting your tongue, or a large piece missing. Small chips are often smoothed or bonded; larger breaks usually need a crown, and a break into the nerve may need a root canal.
First steps at home
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Save any broken pieces in a clean container with milk or saliva and bring them with you.
- Press clean gauze on any bleeding for about 10 minutes.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- If an edge is sharp, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy.
- Avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen.
How chipped and broken teeth are repaired
- Small chip: smoothing the edge, or tooth-colored bonding to rebuild the shape.
- Larger break: a crown to cover and protect what’s left of the tooth.
- Break into the nerve: often a root canal followed by a crown.
- Tooth split below the gumline: sometimes it can’t be saved, and replacement with an implant may be discussed.
Get it checked in Katy
AEI Dental’s $50 Emergency Exam includes x-rays to see how deep the damage goes. Call (281) 394-9988.
Common questions
Is a small chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip with no pain is usually not an emergency, but it should be checked soon. A crack can grow, and a sharp edge can cut your tongue or cheek.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel doesn’t grow back. A crack can spread over time, which is why early repair is usually simpler and less expensive.
Last updated November 13, 2026 · AEI Dental, Katy, TX