Whether you accidentally bite down on something hard, take a tumble, or experience an unexpected accident, chipping a tooth can be alarming. You might notice a rough edge, sharp pain, or sensitivity when eating and drinking. The good news is that many chipped teeth can be repaired, and acting quickly can help prevent further damage.
Knowing what to do next can make the experience less stressful. Here are the steps to take if you chip a tooth and the treatments your dentist may recommend.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, take a breath. A small chip may not cause significant pain, but even minor damage deserves a dental evaluation. Larger fractures can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, increasing the risk of pain, infection, or additional damage.
Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear away blood and debris. If your mouth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. You can also hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek to help manage swelling and discomfort.
If you experience severe facial injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a serious head injury, seek emergency medical care.
2. Protect Your Tooth Until Your Appointment
If you can find the broken piece, save it in a clean container with milk or saliva and bring it to your dental appointment. Your dentist may be able to reattach the fragment in some cases.
Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth, and choose soft foods until you receive treatment. Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks if they trigger sensitivity. If the chipped edge is sharp and irritating your tongue or cheek, dental wax can help cover it temporarily.
Don’t try to file the tooth down or repair it with household adhesives. These approaches can cause additional damage and won’t properly restore the tooth.
3. Call Your Dentist Right Away
Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, contact your dentist as soon as possible. You can’t reliably judge the extent of the damage by looking at the tooth yourself. A dentist can examine the area, check for cracks, and determine whether the inner tooth structure has been affected.
Explain how the injury happened, whether you have pain or sensitivity, and whether a large piece has broken off. This information can help the dental team determine how urgently you need to be seen.
4. Explore Your Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the size and location of the chip, the condition of the remaining tooth, and whether the damage extends into the inner tissues.
For a minor chip, your dentist may smooth and polish the rough edge. Dental bonding can repair small areas of damage using tooth-colored composite resin. For a larger fracture, a dental crown may be needed to cover and protect the weakened tooth.
If the damage reaches the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, root canal treatment may be necessary before the tooth can be restored. In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended.
5. Get Emergency Dental Care When Needed
Prompt treatment can help prevent a chipped tooth from becoming a more complicated problem. Emergency dental care can address fractures, significant sensitivity, and other injuries that require timely attention.
At Metro Refresh Dentistry, Dr. Tran evaluates dental emergencies, including chipped and cracked teeth, and develops a treatment plan based on the findings. Depending on the injury, care may involve repairing the tooth, addressing pain or sensitivity, or recommending further restorative treatment. If you’re unsure whether your injury requires urgent attention, call the office for guidance.
A chipped tooth doesn’t have to mean a permanently damaged smile. Getting professional care promptly can help protect your tooth and restore your comfort.
About the Practice
Metro Refresh Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona, provides comprehensive dental care, including emergency dentistry, restorative treatments, dental implants, and cosmetic services. Dr. Bo Tran evaluates dental emergencies using diagnostic imaging and a visual examination to develop individualized treatment plans. The practice offers same-day and weekend emergency appointments, along with insurance and financing options to help patients access the care they need.
Call us at (602) 944-7199 or schedule your appointment online