A chipped tooth is one of the most common dental injuries — and one of the most treatable. Whether the chip happened from a fall, a sports impact, biting something hard, or an accident, Smile Craft Dental offers same-day evaluation and repair at our Redwood City location. Most chipped teeth can be fixed in a single visit, and the sooner you come in, the more treatment options are available to you.
Not every chip looks alarming, but all of them deserve an evaluation. A chip that seems minor on the surface can extend below the gumline or involve the tooth’s nerve — and without treatment, that small fracture can worsen. If you’ve chipped a tooth in Redwood City, contact our emergency dentistry team today.
What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth
The steps you take in the first hour after a chip can affect both your comfort and your treatment options. Here is what to do while you arrange to come in.
| Chipped a tooth? Same-day evaluation available at Smile Craft Dental Redwood City. | Request an Appointment |
Chipped Tooth Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on how much tooth structure was lost, whether the nerve is affected, and where the chip is located. Our Redwood City dentists evaluate the injury and walk you through the best options before any work begins. According to the American Dental Association, prompt treatment is the best way to protect a chipped tooth from further damage.
How Much Does Chipped Tooth Repair Cost?
Cost depends on the treatment method and how much of the tooth is affected. Dental bonding is typically the most affordable option, often ranging from $100 to $400 per tooth. Veneers run $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Crowns generally fall between $1,000 and $1,800 depending on the material, and CEREC same-day crowns are available at our Redwood City office. If a root canal is needed first, that adds to the overall cost.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover chipped tooth repair at least partially when treatment is restorative rather than purely cosmetic. We do not accept Delta Dental. Our team verifies your benefits and provides a clear cost estimate before starting any treatment. Cherry financing is available for patients who want to spread out the cost.
Chipped Tooth in a Child vs. an Adult
Children chip primary teeth far more often than adults chip permanent ones — falls during play and sports are the most common cause. When a child chips a baby tooth, the priority is protecting the developing permanent tooth beneath it. We may choose to smooth the chip, apply bonding, or in some cases extract the tooth if the damage is severe enough to risk the permanent replacement. If your child has chipped a tooth, bring them in promptly — the underlying permanent tooth may be affected even if the chip looks superficial.
For adults, the primary concern is preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while restoring function and appearance. The treatment options above apply equally to adult permanent teeth.
| Don’t wait on a chipped tooth — request same-day care at Smile Craft Dental Redwood City. | Request an Appointment |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Tooth Repair
Below are answers to the questions patients most commonly ask us after chipping a tooth.
What should I do if I chip a tooth?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact our Redwood City office as soon as possible. Save any tooth fragments by wrapping them in wet gauze. Avoid using the chipped tooth to chew until you have been seen. Over-the-counter dental wax can cover a sharp edge temporarily.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
Not always — but it depends on the severity. Small cosmetic chips with no pain can often wait a few days for a regular appointment. However, you should seek same-day care if the chip is painful, temperature-sensitive, very sharp, or if a large portion of the tooth is missing. When in doubt, call us and we will help you assess whether to come in right away.
How is a chipped tooth repaired?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the chip. Small chips are typically repaired with dental bonding in a single visit. Larger chips may require a crown, and visible front teeth may be best served by a veneer. If the chip reaches the nerve, a root canal may be needed before placing a crown. We evaluate the injury and explain your options before any treatment begins.
How long does chipped tooth repair take?
Bonding and cosmetic contouring are typically done in one appointment of 30–60 minutes. CEREC same-day crowns are also available at our Redwood City office, meaning a crown can often be completed in a single visit. Veneers require two appointments. If a root canal is needed first, that adds time but is usually completed within one or two visits.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?
Bonding typically ranges from $100 to $400 per tooth. Veneers run $900 to $2,500. Crowns generally fall between $1,000 and $1,800. Most PPO insurance plans cover restorative repairs at least partially. We do not accept Delta Dental. Our team provides a clear cost estimate before starting any treatment, and Cherry financing is available.
How can I prevent chipping a tooth?
Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports is the most effective prevention for athletic injuries. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy. Addressing teeth grinding with a night guard reduces the stress that makes teeth more susceptible to chipping. Regular checkups allow us to identify and treat decay or existing cracks before they become chips.
Fix Your Chipped Tooth at Smile Craft Dental in Redwood City
Smile Craft Dental offers same-day evaluation and treatment for chipped teeth at our Redwood City location. Whether your chip is a small cosmetic issue or a more significant fracture, our team assesses the damage, explains your options, and completes most repairs in a single visit. We accept most major PPO insurance plans, offer Cherry financing, and do not accept Delta Dental.
Do not wait on a chipped tooth — small chips can worsen quickly without treatment. Contact our Redwood City office today to schedule same-day care.
