Quick action protects the tooth and gets the best repair outcome. Here's exactly what to do right now and how we can help.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 1,500+ Albuquerque patientsChipped teeth happen unexpectedly — biting into something hard, a sports impact, a fall or just regular wear and tear catching up. Even minor chips deserve professional evaluation. What looks small on the surface can lead to sensitivity, pain, decay or infection if the tooth is left unrepaired.
The good news: most chipped teeth are highly treatable. Minor chips can be fixed with bonding in a single visit. Larger chips may need veneers or crowns. Severe fractures that expose the tooth's pulp may require a root canal. We work with you to choose the right approach for the size and location of the chip plus your goals and budget.
For dental injuries beyond chips (knocked-out teeth, severe pain, abscess), see our emergency dentist page. For broader cosmetic options to enhance your smile, visit our Improve My Smile hub.
Call right now for chipped tooth care. We work to fit emergency repairs into the same day when possible.
The sooner the better
Same-day repair when possibleDo these things now to protect the tooth, manage discomfort and improve repair outcomes when you see us.
Cleans the area and removes any debris. Don't use mouthwash or hot water, both can irritate.
Hold ice or a cold pack on the outside of your face near the tooth to reduce swelling and pain.
Apply light pressure with clean gauze. Most bleeding stops within 10 to 15 minutes.
Put it in milk or saliva (not water). We can sometimes reattach it for a seamless repair.
Stick to soft foods on the opposite side. Avoid hot, cold or sugary foods that may trigger pain.
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Don't put aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
Severity determines treatment urgency and which repair option fits best. Here's how to gauge yours before you see us.
Tiny piece of outer enamel chipped, usually no pain. Sometimes barely noticeable. Smooth tongue feel may be slightly off.
Visible piece missing, sharp edge against tongue, sensitivity to hot or cold. Yellowish dentin may be visible. Some pain when chewing.
Significant tooth structure missing. Sharp throbbing pain. Visible pink or red tissue (exposed nerve). Bleeding from tooth itself. Requires immediate care.
The right treatment depends on the size, location and depth of the chip plus your goals. We walk you through every option.
Tooth-colored composite resin shaped and hardened to repair the chip. Single visit, no anesthesia for minor cases. Looks completely natural. Cost typically $300 to $600 per tooth.
Thin custom porcelain shells covering the front of the tooth. Ideal for visible chips on front teeth. Most natural-looking long-term result. 2 to 3 visits over 4 weeks. Cost $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth.
Full coverage cap that protects and strengthens severely damaged teeth. Best for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. 2 visits over 2 to 3 weeks. Cost $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth.
Removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. Required when the chip exposes the nerve. Always followed by a crown for protection. Total cost typically $1,500 to $2,500.
Most chipped teeth come from one of these scenarios. Understanding the cause helps prevent future damage.
Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, nuts and certain fruits with pits.
Contact sports, accidental falls or impacts to the face. Mouthguards prevent most.
Bruxism (often nighttime) gradually weakens teeth and causes fractures over time.
Decay, acid erosion or large fillings make teeth more vulnerable to fracture.
Treatment approach differs slightly based on whether the chipped tooth is a baby tooth or permanent.
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, chipped baby teeth need attention. Untreated chips can cause pain, infection and damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Treatment focuses on restoring both function and appearance. Permanent teeth don't grow back, so quick repair prevents progressive damage and preserves as much natural tooth as possible.
Once your chipped tooth is fixed, these simple habits protect the repair and prevent future damage.
With proper care, dental bonding lasts 5 to 10 years. Veneers and crowns last 10 to 15+ years. Routine checkups catch any issues early so we can refresh the repair as needed.
Schedule CheckupFamily-owned since 1993. Two experienced doctors. Same-day repair when possible. Gentle care for kids and adults.
Family-owned and operated since 1993, with deep community roots.
Over 1,500 verified reviews from real patients across New Mexico.
Bonding, veneers, crowns and root canal — matched to your case.
We work to fit chipped tooth repairs into the same day when possible.
Quick answers to what Albuquerque patients ask us most. Don't see yours? Just call.
Don't wait to get a chipped tooth fixed. Call us right now or book online for same-day appointment availability. Most chipped teeth are repaired in a single visit with results that look completely natural.