Dental Trauma
Chipped or Broken Tooth: What to Do
A chipped or broken tooth ranges from a small rough edge to a painful break. Here's how to handle it, when it's urgent, and how we'll make the tooth whole again.
Almost always fixable
From smoothing an edge to a full crown, we can restore the tooth.
Same-day when it's urgent
Painful or deep breaks are seen right away.
Comfort comes first
We ease the pain, then repair the damage gently.
First Steps After a Break
Take these simple steps, then give us a call.
- 1
Rinse gently
Warm water clears the area so you can see what happened.
- 2
Save the pieces
Keep any fragments in milk or water and bring them with you.
- 3
Cold compress
On the outside of the cheek for swelling, plus children's pain reliever if needed.
- 4
Call us
Phone (801) 676-3700 and we'll tell you how soon your child needs to be seen.
When Is It Urgent?
Call us right away if the tooth is painful, bleeding, very loose, or broken deep enough to show a pink or red center. A large break can expose the nerve and may need prompt treatment.
Even a painless chip is worth a visit
How We Repair It
Depending on the break, we may smooth a rough edge, bond it with a tooth-colored filling, place a crown, or treat the nerve if it's affected. Whatever the fix, we'll get your child comfortable first and restore the tooth so it looks and feels natural.
Why Quick Repair Matters
A broken tooth is weaker than it looks. Left alone, a crack can spread, the exposed inside can become sensitive or infected, and a simple bonded repair can turn into a bigger one. Seeing us promptly keeps the fix small, and your child out of pain.
Broken teeth look scarier than they are. Save the pieces, give us a call, and we'll make the smile whole again.
Where to Find Us in West Jordan
Our Southpoint office sits near 9000 South and 1300 West in West Jordan, just east of Redwood Road and about a mile east of Bangerter Highway. We're minutes from Gardner Village, Veterans Memorial Park, and Jordan Valley Medical Center, with free parking right out front.
Wasatch Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics: Southpoint 9071 S 1300 W Suite 100 West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 676-3700 Call to BookAlso Serving Families Near West Jordan
Just outside West Jordan? We welcome patients from across Salt Lake County.
Common Questions About Broken Teeth
My child chipped a tooth but it doesn't hurt. Do we still come in?
Yes. Even a painless chip can leave a rough or weakened edge. A quick visit lets us smooth and protect the tooth before it worsens.
Should I save the broken piece?
If you can find it, save it in milk or water and bring it in. In some cases we can use it, and it helps us assess the break.
What if the break is deep and painful?
Call right away. A deep break can expose the nerve, and prompt treatment relieves the pain and saves the tooth.
Chipped or broken tooth?
Call (801) 676-3700 and we'll get your child seen.