Chipped Tooth Repair
Back to your smile, often the same day.
Most chips can be repaired in one visit with bonding, keeping your natural tooth and restoring its shape.
What is chipped tooth repair?
Chipped tooth repair restores a tooth that has lost a piece of enamel from biting, injury or grinding. Small chips are fixed with bonding or smoothing; larger breaks may need a veneer, onlay or crown. Quick treatment prevents sensitivity and further breakage. Its main limitation: chips that reach the nerve may need a root canal first.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Small to moderate chips
- Broken edges
- Chips from sports or falls
- Worn edges from grinding
Needs extra care or planning
- Chips reaching the nerve
- Cracks into the root
- Severe grinding
- Large breaks
When an exam is needed: An exam and X-ray check for cracks and nerve involvement.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Large fractures may need more extensive restorations.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Often same day
- Conservative
- Natural look
- Prevents further damage
Disadvantages
- Bonding can stain
- May need future replacement
- Large breaks cost more
- Grinding can re-chip
The treatment process
- 1
Assessment
Exam and X-ray of the damaged tooth.
- 2
Plan
Choose bonding, veneer, onlay or crown.
- 3
Repair
Bonding is sculpted, or the tooth is prepared for porcelain.
- 4
Polish
Shape and shine to match.
- 5
Protection
A nightguard if grinding caused it.
Timeline: Small chips: one 30–60 minute visit. Porcelain: 2 visits.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Minimal.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Avoid hard foods on the tooth
- Wear a mouthguard for sports
- Brush and floss normally
Call us right away if you notice
- Pain when biting
- Sensitivity that lingers
- Swelling
- The repair breaks
Longevity and outcomes
Bonding lasts 5–10 years; porcelain longer.
What affects your result
- Size of chip
- Grinding
- Material
Possible complications
- Re-chipping
- Staining
- Hidden cracks
Cost and payment options
Depends on the size of the chip and repair method; quoted at your visit.
What affects the price
- Bonding vs porcelain
- Number of teeth
- Need for root canal
- Insurance coverage
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Contouring
Smooths very small chips.
Veneer
For larger front-tooth chips.
Crown
For large breaks.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?+
Usually not, unless there's pain or bleeding.
Can it be fixed the same day?+
Often, yes.
Will it hurt?+
Usually not.
Should I save the piece?+
Yes, bring it in.
Will insurance cover it?+
Often, as a restorative repair.
How long does bonding last?+
5–10 years.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →References
Not sure if you need chipped tooth repair?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit