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Broken & Chipped Teeth
(Including ACC Cases)
A broken or chipped tooth can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, often as a result of trauma, biting on something hard, decay, or underlying tooth weakness. While some chips are minor and mainly cosmetic, others can expose the inner layers of the tooth and cause sensitivity, pain, or further damage if not treated promptly.
At Waipa Dental, we provide prompt assessment and repair of broken teeth, with a focus on restoring function, comfort, and appearance as quickly as possible
Common causes of broken or chipped teeth
Teeth may become damaged due to:
Accidental trauma or injury
Biting into hard foods or objects
Falls or sports-related impacts
Tooth decay weakening the structure
Large existing fillings that fracture over time
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Even small chips can worsen over time if left untreated.
What to do if you break a tooth
If you damage a tooth, we recommend:
Contacting the clinic as soon as possible
Avoiding chewing on the affected side
Keeping the area clean and gently rinsing if needed
Saving any broken tooth fragments if possible
Managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief if required
We also reserve emergency appointment times each day to support patients with urgent dental issues such as broken teeth.
Assessment and treatment
When you attend with a broken or chipped tooth, we will carefully assess the extent of the damage. This may include:
Clinical examination
Dental X-rays to assess deeper damage
Bite assessment if fracture is related to pressure or grinding
Treatment will depend on the severity of the break and may include:
Smooth polishing of minor chips
Composite bonding to restore shape and appearance
Dental fillings for small to moderate fractures
Crowns for larger structural damage
Root canal therapy if the nerve is affected
Extraction in cases where the tooth is not restorable
Our aim is always to preserve the natural tooth wherever possible.
ACC dental injury claims
If your broken or chipped tooth is the result of an accident or injury, you may be eligible for support through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
We can assist you with:
Assessing whether your injury is ACC-eligible
Completing and submitting the ACC treatment claim form
Providing the necessary clinical documentation and records
Coordinating approved treatment under ACC guidelines
ACC may contribute towards the cost of treatment for eligible accidental dental injuries, helping to reduce financial stress during recovery.
Pain and sensitivity
Not all broken teeth are painful, but symptoms may include:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or biting pressure
Sharp edges causing irritation to the tongue or cheek
Throbbing pain if the nerve is involved
Swelling in more advanced cases
Prompt treatment helps prevent further complications such as infection or worsening fracture.
Timely care matters
Even small fractures can become larger problems over time. Early assessment allows us to:
Prevent further cracking or breakage
Reduce the risk of nerve damage or infection
Restore appearance and function sooner
Improve long-term prognosis of the tooth
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, early care makes all the difference. Contact Waipa Dental as soon as possible and our team will prioritise your appointment, restore your tooth, and assist with any ACC claims if your injury was accident-related.
Visit us in central Cambridge
Address: 15 Wilson Street, Cambridge
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm
Email: info@waipadental.co.nz
Access & parking: We have designated on-site parking, including a mobility space and access ramp, plus plenty of nearby street parking.