Chipping a tooth can happen suddenly, from biting down on something hard, a sports injury, or an unexpected fall. While a chipped tooth isn’t always a dental emergency, it should never be ignored. Knowing what to do right away and how it’s treated can help prevent pain, infection, and further damage.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Start by checking the size and location of the chip. Small chips may feel rough but cause little discomfort, while larger chips can expose the inner layers of the tooth and lead to sensitivity or pain. If there’s bleeding, swelling, or severe pain, contact your dentist immediately.
Step 2: Rinse and Protect Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection. If there is bleeding, apply light pressure with clean gauze. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, but avoid aspirin directly on the gums, as it can irritate the tissue.
Step 3: Save the Tooth Fragment (If Possible)
If you can find the chipped piece, place it in milk or saliva and bring it with you to your dental appointment. While it’s not always possible to reattach the fragment, having it may give your dentist more treatment options.
Step 4: Avoid Further Damage
Until you see your dentist, avoid chewing on the affected side and stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. If the chipped edge is sharp, dental wax or sugar-free gum can be placed over it temporarily to protect your tongue and cheek.
Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth
Your dentist will recommend treatment based on the severity of the chip. Minor chips may only require smoothing or cosmetic bonding to restore the tooth’s shape. Moderate chips are often repaired with dental bonding or veneers, especially for front teeth. For more extensive damage, a dental crown may be needed to protect and strengthen the tooth. If the pulp is exposed or infected, a root canal may be necessary before restoration.
When is it an Emergency?
Seek immediate dental care if your chipped tooth is causing severe pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, or signs of infection. These symptoms suggest deeper damage that needs prompt attention.
Preventing Future Chips
Wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding chewing ice or hard objects, and addressing teeth grinding with a night guard can reduce your risk of chipping a tooth.
A chipped tooth may seem minor, but timely care is key to protecting your smile and preventing long-term complications.
About the Practice
At Seaside Dental of New Smyrna Beach, we provide fast relief and immediate comfort when it comes to emergency patients. We have same-day, after-hours and weekend emergency appointments available. Our team carefully customizes dental restorations crafted from fast digital impressions, and when it comes to costs, we have an affordable in-house dental membership plan for patients without insurance if you’re concerned. Don’t wait if you’re in an emergency – schedule your appointment online or call (386) 428-1270.