When you injure your body, most of the time you can rely on it to heal itself. Cuts eventually vanish, though they may leave behind a scar, and even broken bones usually fuse back together with time. But when it comes to chipping a tooth, the same doesn’t hold true. Despite being the strongest substance in your body, once you’ve lost or damaged your enamel, it will not grow back, and you’ll need to see your emergency dentist for help. Here’s everything you need to know about how to handle a chipped tooth!
What to do if You Chip a Tooth
If you chip a tooth, even if it’s minor, painless, or not visible when you smile, it’s very important that you get it repaired by your dentist as soon as possible. That’s because if left untreated, it is vulnerable to infection and further breakage. If it’s sharp, you can also injure your tongue or the soft tissue in your mouth. Should you damage your tooth, take the following steps to help protect your mouth and restore your smile as soon as possible:
- Rinse your mouth to clear away any tooth fragments and bits of plaque or debris.
- After assessing the damage, call your emergency dentist and explain the situation. Speaking to someone (as opposed to emailing) will help them better understand the extent of the damage and determine how soon you should be seen.
- In the meantime, be very careful with your chipped tooth. Avoid chewing with it to avoid further damage and to prevent injury to your tongue and cheeks.
- Keep your mouth clean. If brushing is painful, you can rinse frequently with warm saltwater.
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
Once you arrive at your emergency dental appointment, your dentist will likely take some X-rays and determine the extent of your tooth damage. If it is minor, you may only need treatment with cosmetic dental bonding, which uses the same material your dentist uses to make durable, natural-looking tooth-colored fillings.
For larger chips, you may require a dental crown. These are more deluxe fillings that fit over your existing tooth like a cap. They last up to ten or more years with proper oral hygiene and look and work just like your real teeth. Your dentist will explain your options after your evaluation, and help you determine which method of restoration is best.
Remember, a chipped tooth will not heal itself, so it’s very important that you see your dentist as soon as possible for help. Protecting the damaged tooth and the surrounding soft tissue is essential to prevent worsening damage and restore your smile!
About Dr. Rottman
Dr. Travis Rottman earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. He underwent additional training in oral conscious sedation, laser dentistry, and same-day dental care for dental emergencies. If you have a chipped tooth, this qualifies as an urgent dental problem and should be treated as soon as possible. To schedule an emergency appointment with Sachse Family Dentistry, please call us directly for faster service at 972-848-0073.