Chipped tooth: what to do, and how it's fixed.

It depends on depth. A small chip of enamel only is usually painless and mainly cosmetic. A larger break that reaches the softer dentine often causes sensitivity, and one deep enough to expose the nerve causes sharp pain and needs prompt care. A chip can also leave a sharp edge that cuts the tongue or lip. So while most chips are minor, the ones that hurt or have a visible pink/red centre should be seen quickly.

Common causes are biting something hard (ice, a bone, hard sweets, a fork), a knock to the face during sport or a fall, grinding that weakens edges over time, and large old fillings or existing decay that leave the tooth fragile. Front teeth chip most often from trauma; back teeth from heavy biting. A tooth that chips very easily may have an underlying weakness worth checking.

• Save any broken piece in milk or saliva — occasionally it can be re-bonded;
• Rinse gently with warm water;
• For pain or swelling, use over-the-counter pain relief and a cold compress on the cheek;
• Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and lip;
• Avoid chewing on that side and very hot/cold foods.

See a dentist soon — promptly if it's painful, bleeding, or the inner tooth is exposed.

The fix scales with the damage. A minor edge is simply smoothed and polished. A small-to-moderate chip is rebuilt with composite bonding — tooth-coloured resin shaped on in a single visit. A larger or front-tooth chip may be better restored with a veneer, and a chip that has weakened a back tooth or exposed the nerve may need a crown (with a root canal first if the nerve is involved). Most chips are a quick, conservative repair when seen early.