A chipped tooth can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you accidentally bite into something too hard or have a mishap during sports, dental injuries are always a possibility. What should you do if you chipped a tooth? Do not panic. This blog post provides practical guidance to help you manage the situation.
Assess the Damage
The best way to handle a chipped tooth often depends on how bad the damage is. Small chips are usually not too urgent. If you are not in severe pain and there is no bleeding, you can call your dentist and arrange to see them when it is more convenient for both of you.
If the chip is larger, you are in a lot of pain, or you have other dental injuries along with the chipped tooth, your emergency dentist will likely urge you to visit them for a same-day appointment.
Remember that delaying necessary care only gives the situation a chance to worsen. Infection is a very real possibility with a chipped tooth, and you want to avoid that if at all possible.
Care for Your Tooth
Until you see your dentist, you have to protect your tooth from additional damage. Try not to chew or bite with it. You can also gently rinse the area with warm water to remove any debris that might be stuck around it. Keep the area clean, but do not apply too much pressure with your toothbrush.
If the tooth has jagged edges that are bothering your tongue, lips, or cheek, you can try covering it with orthodontic wax or some sugar-free chewing gum.
How Dentists Treat Chipped Teeth
Your dentist will recommend a treatment based on the severity of damage to your tooth and your personal preferences. If a chip is very tiny, it might be possible to polish your tooth to smooth out the rough edge without any additional care.
For small and medium-sized chips, your dentist might recommend dental bonding. This can reshape the tooth in just one appointment, restoring both its shape and appearance. Or, for a more durable solution, you might choose to get a veneer.
For deep chips or badly broken teeth, you may need root canal therapy and a crown. In some cases, a severely damaged tooth even has to be removed and replaced later on with a bridge or dental implant.
A chipped tooth may or may not be a big deal, but you should always seek your dentist’s advice regarding any sort of damage to your smile. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved quickly and you can get back to enjoying your life.
Meet the Practice
At Meriden Dental Group, our emergency dentistry team is often able to see urgent patients on a same-day basis. If you chipped or damaged a tooth, do not hesitate to reach out to us so we can assess the situation and advise you on your next steps. We strive to provide efficient, honest care that prioritizes your long-term wellness. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 203-404-6800.