Chipped a tooth? We'll make it whole

Teeth are remarkably strong, but a fall, a sporting knock, an olive stone or even an old filling can chip the edge of a tooth in an instant. Most chips aren't painful emergencies, but they can leave a sharp edge that catches your tongue, a flash of sensitivity to cold, and an understandable urge to fix the way your smile looks. The reassuring news is that repairing a chip is one of the quickest, most comfortable treatments we offer.

How serious is it?

Small chips to the enamel are mainly cosmetic and easily smoothed or built back up. Larger breaks that reach the softer dentine beneath can cause sensitivity to hot, cold and air, and need prompt attention to seal and protect the tooth. If a chip is deep enough to expose the nerve you'll usually know — there will be sharp pain and sometimes a pink dot at the centre of the break — and that needs same-day care. When you call, describe what you can see and feel, and we'll tell you how quickly to come in.

What to do meanwhile

Rinse your mouth with warm water and, if you can find the broken fragment, keep it in milk or saliva — we can sometimes bond the original piece back on for a seamless result. A little dental wax over a sharp edge protects your tongue and cheek, and it's wise to avoid chewing on that tooth until it's repaired. If there's sensitivity, steer clear of very hot and cold foods for now.

How we rebuild it

For most chips, we use tooth-coloured composite bonding — a putty-like resin matched precisely to your tooth, sculpted to rebuild the missing edge and then hardened and polished until it's invisible. It's painless, needs no drilling for minor chips, and is done in one visit. Larger breaks may call for a veneer or crown to give the tooth lasting strength, and where the nerve is involved we'll treat that first to keep the tooth comfortable and healthy. Whatever the size, the goal is the same: a smooth, natural, confident smile.

• Invisible tooth-coloured bonding, matched to your shade
• Most chips repaired and polished in a single visit
• Sharp edges smoothed immediately for comfort
• Veneers and crowns available for larger breaks

There's no need to live with a rough, uneven or sensitive tooth. Call Rapid Response Dental Care and we'll have your smile looking and feeling whole again — often the very same day.