How to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth - Your Treatment Options

How to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can be alarming, but modern dentistry offers excellent solutions to restore your smile. Whether the damage is minor or severe, there is a treatment option that can help.

At New Vision Dental Clinic in Accra, we provide same-day emergency care for chipped and broken teeth. Here is what you need to know.

What to Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth

1. Stay calm. Most broken teeth can be repaired.
2. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
3. Save any pieces of the tooth if possible.
4. Apply pressure with gauze if there is bleeding.
5. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
6. Contact your dentist immediately. Prompt treatment improves outcomes.

Treatment Options Based on Severity

1. Minor Chip — Dental Bonding

For small chips that do not affect the tooth's structure, dental bonding is a quick and affordable solution. A tooth-coloured composite resin is applied, shaped, and hardened with a special light. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes and usually requires no anaesthesia.

• Most affordable option for minor chips
• Completed in a single visit
• Lasts 3-7 years with proper care
• Natural appearance matched to your tooth colour

2. Moderate Damage — Dental Veneer

For larger chips affecting the front of a tooth, a porcelain veneer may be recommended. This thin shell covers the front surface of the tooth, restoring its shape, colour, and appearance.

• Highly aesthetic — looks like natural tooth enamel
• Stain-resistant surface
• Requires 2 visits (preparation and placement)
• Lasts 10-15 years with proper care

3. Significant Damage — Dental Crown

When a large portion of the tooth is broken or the tooth is cracked, a crown (cap) may be needed to protect and restore it. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline.

• Full protection for weakened teeth
• Restores full chewing function
• Can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia
• Requires 2-3 visits
• Lasts 10-15+ years

4. Severe Damage — Root Canal + Crown

If the break extends into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, a root canal is needed before a crown can be placed. This saves the tooth from extraction while eliminating pain and infection.

5. Tooth Cannot Be Saved — Extraction

In cases where the tooth is broken below the gumline or the damage is too extensive, extraction may be the only option. The tooth can then be replaced with an implant, bridge, or denture.

Chipped Tooth Repair Cost in Ghana

• Dental bonding: GHS 300 — GHS 800 per tooth
• Porcelain veneer: GHS 2,000 — GHS 4,000 per tooth
• Dental crown: GHS 2,500 — GHS 5,000 per tooth
• Root canal + crown: GHS 4,000 — GHS 8,000 total

Emergency Dental Care at New Vision Dental

We offer same-day emergency appointments for chipped and broken teeth at our Accra clinic. Our team is experienced in all types of tooth repair and will recommend the best option for your specific situation. Book your emergency appointment now.