Smoothing
A very small chip can be polished smooth, so it no longer catches your tongue. Quick, with no numbing in many cases.
Broken or chipped tooth, Boise
Broken tooth in Boise: what to do first and how a chip or crack is repaired.
Most chips are not dangerous, but a sharp edge cuts the tongue and a crack can reach the nerve. Call the same day, even if it does not hurt. We hold same-day slots on weekdays for exactly this.
- Keep the piecein milk or a clean container, and bring it
- Same dayfor a break that hurts, bleeds or feels sharp
- 1 to 2 visitsis common for a chip, longer for a deep crack
First steps
What to do in the first hour.
-
01
Rinse gently with warm water
Clear the area. Check whether any pieces are still in your mouth.
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02
Save the piece
Keep it in milk or a clean container. Sometimes the dentist can use it, sometimes not, but bring it.
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03
Control any bleeding
Press clean gauze on the area for ten minutes. If it will not stop, go to an emergency room.
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04
Cover a sharp edge
A piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax over the edge protects your tongue and cheek.
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05
Call us
Tell us what broke, whether it hurts and whether the tooth feels loose. We tell you whether to come in today.
Repair options
How a broken or chipped tooth can be repaired.
Which one fits depends on how much of the tooth is gone and how close the break is to the nerve.
Bonding
Tooth-coloured resin is built up and shaped to replace the missing piece, usually in one visit.
A filling
If the break exposed a cavity or an old filling, the tooth is rebuilt with a filling.
A crown
A larger break or a crack may need a cap that holds the tooth together and protects it while you chew.
A different plan
If a crack goes below the gum, the tooth may not be savable. We explain the options, which may include a referral.
911
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if:
- You hit your head, or you were knocked out or confused
- Bleeding does not slow after ten minutes of firm pressure
- Your jaw looks out of line, or you cannot close your mouth
- You have trouble breathing, or you think you swallowed a piece
A tooth injury after a fall or a blow can come with other injuries. Check those first.
The visit
What happens at the repair visit.
The dentist checks the tooth and the ones next to it, takes an X-ray to see how close the break is to the nerve, and tests your bite. You then see the options with the likely number of visits.
A chip is often repaired the same day. A deep crack may call for a temporary cover first and a crown at a later visit. Results vary with the size and position of the break, and we say plainly when the choice is between two imperfect options.
- Exam, X-ray and bite test
- Options and visit count in plain words
- Protection for the tooth the same day
- A written estimate before treatment
What decides it
Size of the break and the likely repair.
| The break | What we often do | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| A tiny chip on the edge | Polish it smooth | One |
| A visible piece missing | Bond it with tooth-coloured resin | One |
| A break into an old filling | Replace the filling | One |
| A large break or crack | Protect the tooth and plan a crown | Two or more |
| A crack below the gum | Discuss whether the tooth can be saved | Depends |
My tooth chipped and does not hurt. Is it urgent?
Not usually an emergency, but have it seen within a day or two. A chip can have a crack behind it, and a sharp edge can cut your tongue. Call and describe it.
Can you reattach the piece that broke off?
Sometimes it can be used, depending on its size and condition. We usually rebuild the tooth with resin or a crown. Bring the piece anyway, and the dentist decides.
How long does a repair last?
It depends on the size of the repair, how you bite, and whether you grind your teeth. We explain the likely wear before you decide. Results vary, and a repaired tooth still needs regular check-ups.
Is it safe to wait until Monday?
If it is a small chip with no pain, usually yes, but cover any sharp edge. If it hurts, bleeds or feels loose, call us. Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm are for emergency visits.
What if I chipped it on a hard food?
That is common. The dentist checks for a crack and explains what to avoid while the tooth is healing or waiting for a crown.
Will you tell me the cost first?
Yes. You get a written estimate after the exam and before treatment, and we check what your plan is expected to cover. Third-party financing is available for larger treatment.
Boise, Idaho
Tooth problem? Tell us now.
Call before 3:30 pm on a weekday and we hold a same-day slot for you. After that, we tell you the soonest opening and what to do until then.
| Monday to Thursday | 7:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 7:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Saturday | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, emergency visits only |
| Sunday | Closed |
Call 911 for severe bleeding, a swollen face or throat, trouble breathing or a head injury.