Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on May 7, 2026
One moment, your child is laughing and running around, and the next, they’re standing in front of you with a chipped tooth and tearful eyes. A chipped permanent tooth is one of the more common dental emergencies children face, and while it can feel alarming in the moment, knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference in saving the tooth and keeping your child calm.
At Esteem Dental, we offer family-focused care in Winter Garden and Lake Nona. Whether for emergencies or routine care, we help your child return to smiling quickly. From pediatric dental emergencies to restorative treatment, we are here to help your child get back to smiling as quickly as possible.
What Counts as a Chipped Permanent Tooth?
A chipped permanent tooth occurs when a piece of the tooth’s enamel, or deeper layers, breaks off due to a fall, sports impact, biting down on something hard, or another form of trauma. Unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth need to last a lifetime, which is why even a small chip should be promptly evaluated by a dentist.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, children’s permanent teeth are particularly vulnerable once they begin coming in around age six. The sooner a chipped permanent tooth is treated, the better the long-term outcome for your child’s smile.
What to Do Immediately If Your Child Chips a Permanent Tooth
The first few minutes after the chip are critical. Staying calm is one of the most important things you can do.
Here are the steps to follow as soon as you notice a chipped permanent tooth:
- Stay calm and reassure your child
- Rinse with warm water
- Apply a cold compress
- Save the tooth fragment
- Call your dentist immediately
Saving the fragment can sometimes allow the dentist to bond it back directly onto the tooth. Even if that is not possible, bringing it in gives the dentist a better picture of the extent of the injury.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Chipped Permanent Tooth?
In almost every case, a chipped permanent tooth needs professional attention. Even a small chip can leave the tooth more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further damage over time. A dentist will evaluate the chip and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment based on its size, location, and depth.
Minor Chips
For small chips that only affect the outer enamel layer, treatment may be as simple as smoothing the rough edge or using tooth-colored composite resin to restore the shape. This type of dental bonding and filling is minimally invasive, usually completed in a single visit, and produces natural-looking results.
Moderate to Severe Chips
When the chip is larger or has affected deeper layers of the tooth, more comprehensive restorative dentistry may be needed. This can include dental crowns to cover and protect the tooth, or in cases where the inner pulp has been exposed, a pulp treatment to protect the nerve before placing the final restoration.
How Can Parents Help Prevent Chipped Teeth?
Prevention is always worth the effort. While accidents are not always avoidable, parents can take steps to reduce the risk of dental injury.
- Use a mouthguard during sports
- Discourage hard chewing habits
- Keep up with preventive dental care
Building these habits early gives your child’s permanent teeth a much better chance of staying intact through the active years of childhood and adolescence.
Schedule a Pediatric Dental Visit at Esteem Dental
A chipped permanent tooth is not something to wait on, and at Esteem Dental, you do not have to. Our multi-specialty practice in Winter Garden and Lake Nona offers pediatric dentistry, restorative care, orthodontics, and more, all in one convenient location, so your entire family can receive the care they need without ever being referred elsewhere.
Whether your child is dealing with a dental emergency or just due for a checkup, our team is ready to welcome your family with the compassion and skill you deserve. Reach out to us today through our contact form to schedule an appointment. We’re here for your family, every step of the way.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
