Broken or Chipped Tooth
Save the pieces, rinse your mouth, and call us — most broken teeth can be repaired faster than you think.
You bit into something, you fell, you took a hit at a game, or you woke up with a piece of your tooth on your pillow from grinding. However it happened, a broken or chipped tooth can feel like a disaster in the moment. It usually is not. Call us at 540-586-8080, and we will get you in quickly and figure out exactly what your tooth needs.
When you come in, Dr. Maharaj will look at the tooth, take any X-rays needed to see what is happening below the surface, and explain your options in plain language. The treatment depends on how severe the break is. A small chip might be fixed in one visit with dental bonding — a tooth-colored material that is sculpted right onto your tooth. A bigger break may need a crown to protect what is left and restore the full shape and strength.
If the break has gone deep enough to affect the nerve inside the tooth, you may need a root canal first to clear out the infection, followed by a crown to seal and protect everything. That sounds intimidating on paper, but the actual procedure is more comfortable than most people expect. You will hear exactly what is needed, why, and what each step feels like.
In rare cases, a tooth is broken so badly that it cannot be saved. If that is what we find, you will hear it honestly, and we will talk about what comes next — usually an extraction followed by a discussion of replacement options like an implant or bridge. You are never pushed into anything you are not ready for.
While you are on your way in, save any pieces of the tooth you can find (a small container with milk works well), rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and apply a clean cloth to any bleeding. If there is swelling, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek will help. The faster we see you, the more likely we can save the tooth — so do not wait it out at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken tooth really be saved?
In most cases, yes. The sooner you get to us, the better your chances. Even teeth that look badly broken can often be restored with bonding, a crown, or a combination of treatments. You will get a straight answer about what is possible the moment we can see what we are working with.
What if I swallowed a piece of my tooth?
It is okay — a small piece of tooth is harmless and will pass through your system on its own. The piece itself is not the issue. The remaining tooth still needs to be looked at promptly, so call us and come in as soon as you can.
Ready When You Are
Come in and see
if we're the right fit.
No pressure, no pushy sales — just a conversation, a thorough exam, and a clear picture of where your smile stands. We would love to meet you.