Warning
General information only -- not dental advice. This article provides general educational information about broken and chipped teeth, including immediate steps and typical repair costs. It is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. The appropriate treatment for a broken or cracked tooth depends on individual clinical factors that only a licensed dentist can evaluate. If you have broken a tooth, contact your dental office as soon as possible.
A broken or chipped tooth can happen in an instant -- biting something hard, an accidental fall, or a sports impact -- and the next steps can feel uncertain, especially if the break is painful or has changed how your tooth looks. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy.org consumer resource describes chipped and broken teeth as among the most common dental injuries seen in practice. Repair costs and urgency depend on how much of the tooth is affected, whether the inner pulp has been exposed, and which type of restoration is most appropriate for your situation.
This guide covers what to do immediately after breaking a tooth, what repair options exist, what each typically costs, and what to expect if the break is more serious than it first appears.
What to Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth
The first goal after breaking a tooth is to protect the area, manage any discomfort, and contact a dentist. According to MouthHealthy.org, the recommended immediate steps are:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding from the gum or surrounding tissue.
- Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the outside of the cheek or lips to reduce swelling.
- Save large fragments. If a sizable piece of tooth broke off cleanly, place it in a small container with milk or -- if milk is not available -- saliva or water, and bring it to your dental appointment. In some situations, a fragment can be re-bonded.
- Cover sharp edges temporarily. If the broken edge is sharp enough to cut the inside of your lip or cheek, dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can be pressed gently over the edge as a temporary measure.
- Contact your dentist. Call your dental office and describe the situation. Most offices reserve time in their schedule for urgent calls. Explain whether there is pain, visible bleeding, or significant tooth loss, as this helps the office triage the urgency.
If the break involves significant pain, facial swelling, or an injury to the jaw rather than just the tooth, seek evaluation promptly -- these may warrant emergency care beyond a standard dental appointment.
For broader guidance on dental urgencies, see our guide on what to do in a dental emergency.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Not every chip requires same-day care, but all broken or chipped teeth benefit from dental evaluation within a reasonably short window.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) offers a useful framework: breaks that expose the inner pulp of the tooth (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) are more urgent because the exposed pulp can become infected if not treated. Pain with temperature -- particularly lingering cold sensitivity or spontaneous pain -- can signal pulp involvement.
Situations that call for prompt same-day or next-day contact with your dentist:
- Significant pain with biting or temperature changes
- A large portion of the tooth has broken away
- The gum tissue around the tooth is bleeding or swollen
- A sharp edge is cutting the inside of the mouth
- The break involves a child's tooth (baby or permanent)
A very minor chip on an adult tooth with no pain, no sharp edges, and no sensitivity can often be addressed at a scheduled appointment, but it is still worth calling your dentist to describe what happened and let them advise on timing.
Repair Options for a Chipped or Broken Tooth
The appropriate treatment depends on how much tooth structure was lost, whether the inner pulp was exposed, and the location of the tooth in the mouth. The American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry describe several common approaches.
Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the chipped or broken area, shaping it to match the natural tooth, and hardening it with a curing light. Bonding is a minimally invasive and relatively quick procedure, often completed in a single visit. It is commonly used for minor to moderate chips, particularly on front teeth. Composite resin is somewhat more vulnerable to staining and chipping over time than porcelain options.
Dental crown is recommended when a significant portion of the tooth has broken away or when the remaining tooth structure is not strong enough to support a filling or bonding alone. A crown -- a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible tooth above the gumline -- restores both the appearance and structural integrity of the tooth. It typically requires two visits: one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and a second to place the permanent crown.
Dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is primarily used for cosmetic restoration of front teeth and may be recommended for chips that affect the visible surface without compromising structural integrity. Veneers require some removal of tooth enamel and are not reversible.
Root canal treatment followed by a crown is recommended when the break has reached or damaged the pulp, according to the American Association of Endodontists. If the pulp is exposed or becomes infected, a root canal removes the damaged tissue, seals the root, and is followed by a crown to protect the weakened tooth.
Extraction is considered when the break extends below the gumline, the root is fractured in a way that cannot be restored, or there is insufficient tooth structure remaining to support a restoration, according to the AAE. A missing tooth left untreated can affect bite alignment over time; replacement options include implants and bridges.
Cost of Repairing a Broken Tooth by Treatment Type
The table below presents approximate repair cost ranges by treatment approach, drawn from American Dental Association published data and CareCredit dental cost resources. These are general national ranges; your provider's specific fee will depend on the extent of damage, the materials used, your geographic area, and your insurance plan.
| Repair Option | Approximate Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental bonding | $150 - $700 per tooth | Common first-line for minor to moderate chips; may need touch-up over time |
| Dental crown (porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-ceramic) | $1,000 - $1,800+ per tooth | ADA and CareCredit published ranges; lab and material costs vary |
| Porcelain veneer | $900 - $2,500 per tooth | Primarily cosmetic; not typically covered by insurance |
| Root canal (if pulp is involved) | $700 - $1,500 per tooth | Before crown; endodontist fee separate if referred |
| Tooth extraction | $75 - $650+ per tooth | If the tooth cannot be restored; replacement cost is additional |
Sources: American Dental Association fee survey data; CareCredit dental cost guide; Academy of General Dentistry patient education. Figures are approximate national ranges and vary significantly by provider, region, material choice, and insurance plan.
Illustration: approximate lower-end cost ranges by repair type. Bars show relative cost scale only; actual fees vary by complexity, materials, and provider.
What Happens If a Broken Tooth Is Left Untreated?
Illustration: simplified progression of an untreated crack. Whether and how quickly a crack progresses depends on individual factors only a clinical exam can assess.
The decision to delay treatment for a broken tooth carries real risks. The American Association of Endodontists notes that a crack or break that has not yet reached the pulp can deepen over time with the forces of chewing, eventually exposing the pulp to bacteria and causing infection. A chip that exposes dentin -- the layer beneath the outer enamel -- can increase sensitivity and allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth more easily.
Beyond the tooth itself, an untreated broken tooth with a sharp edge can irritate or cut the tongue, cheek, and lips over time. And when a tooth is eventually extracted because it was not treated early enough to be saved, the cost of tooth replacement (implant, bridge, or denture) typically exceeds the cost of the restoration that would have preserved the original tooth.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends treating broken teeth promptly rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop, particularly for cracks, which are often not visible on routine X-rays and can progress silently.
Does Insurance Cover Broken Tooth Repair?
Coverage depends on the treatment approach and your plan type.
Most dental plans classify dental bonding as a basic restorative service and cover it at 70 to 80 percent of the allowed fee after the deductible, according to Delta Dental coverage guides. Crowns are typically classified as major services, covered at 50 percent. Root canals are usually covered as basic or major services depending on the plan.
Cosmetic procedures -- including porcelain veneers placed purely for cosmetic reasons when a functional restoration would suffice -- are generally not covered by dental insurance.
Before scheduling repair, ask your dental office to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer. This document shows the expected coverage for each procedure code and helps you understand your cost share before the appointment.
For cost information on specific restorations, see our guides on dental bonding cost and dental crown cost.
Warning
Talk to your dentist. The cost ranges and treatment descriptions in this guide are general educational information drawn from the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and Academy of General Dentistry materials. They cannot tell you which treatment is appropriate for your specific break, whether the pulp has been affected, or what your insurance will pay. Only a licensed dentist who has examined your tooth -- and reviewed X-rays or other imaging -- can give you that assessment. If you have broken or chipped a tooth, contact your dental office as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I break a tooth?
According to MouthHealthy.org, the American Dental Association's consumer resource, you should rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is bleeding, and use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Contact your dentist as soon as possible -- most offices reserve time for urgent calls. Bring any large tooth fragments in a clean container with milk or saliva if possible.
Is a small chip on a tooth a dental emergency?
A very minor chip with no pain or sharp edge may not require same-day care, but it is still worth contacting your dentist promptly, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Chips expose dentin or enamel and can worsen over time, and even a small break can signal a deeper crack. A dentist can assess whether treatment is urgent or can be scheduled at a routine appointment.
How much does it cost to repair a chipped front tooth?
Repair cost depends on the treatment approach. Dental bonding -- a common first-line repair using composite resin -- typically costs $150 to $700 per tooth, according to published ranges from the American Dental Association and CareCredit. A porcelain veneer for a more durable cosmetic result typically costs $900 to $2,500 per tooth. A crown, used when more tooth structure is lost, typically runs $1,000 to $1,800 or more per tooth.
Can a broken tooth be saved, or does it need to come out?
In many cases, a broken tooth can be restored with bonding, a crown, or a root canal followed by a crown. The American Association of Endodontists notes that whether a tooth can be saved depends on how much tooth structure remains, whether the root is intact, and the condition of the surrounding bone and gum. Only a licensed dentist or endodontist who has examined the tooth can assess restorability.
What are the treatment options for a cracked tooth?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, treatment options for cracked teeth range from bonding and crowns for incomplete cracks to root canal treatment for cracks that extend into the pulp. In some cases, a crack that extends below the gum line cannot be saved and extraction is necessary. Treatment depends on the type, location, and depth of the crack -- factors only a clinical exam and imaging can determine.
Does insurance cover a broken tooth?
Coverage depends on the treatment required. Most dental plans cover restorations such as fillings and crowns as basic or major services, with the patient typically responsible for a co-pay percentage after the deductible, according to Delta Dental coverage guides. Purely cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers are generally not covered. Confirm the procedure codes with your provider and check your plan's benefit schedule before treatment.