What Should I Do About My Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth can mean different things depending on the size of the chip and whether it causes discomfort. While not every chip is a dental emergency, it should never be ignored. Even a small break weakens the structure of your tooth and leaves it vulnerable to further damage. The key is to know what to do immediately after the incident and when to seek professional care. Read on to learn more about what you should do if you have a chipped tooth.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Chipped Tooth
When enamel breaks away, the softer layers of your tooth are less protected. This can result in tooth sensitivity, sharp pain, or even infection if bacteria reach the pulp. Beyond health concerns, a chipped tooth also impacts appearance, especially when it occurs in the front of your mouth. Getting quick care helps preserve your smile while reducing the chance of more complex treatment later.
Steps to Take Right Away
If you’ve just chipped a tooth, these first actions can help minimize discomfort and protect the area until you see a dentist:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris.
- Stop bleeding by gently pressing gauze against the affected area.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed, but avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts to your tongue and cheeks.
- Save the broken fragment if possible, and store it in milk or saliva until you see your dentist.
These temporary steps buy you time, but they do not replace treatment. Call your dental provider as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
Different Sizes, Different Solutions
The treatment you need depends largely on the extent of the chip:
- Small chips: If the damage is minimal, your dentist may simply polish the tooth or use bonding to smooth out imperfections. Veneers are another cosmetic option for front teeth.
- Medium chips: If the enamel loss exposes deeper layers, infection becomes more likely. In these cases, bonding, veneers, or crowns may be recommended to restore function and appearance.
- Large chips: Significant breaks may expose the nerve, resulting in intense pain. Root canal therapy followed by a crown is often required. In severe situations where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the only option.
Chipped Tooth vs. Broken Tooth
While chipped teeth usually involve enamel loss, broken teeth often extend deeper, sometimes below the gumline. Broken teeth often require crowns or root canal therapy. Distinguishing between the two is not always easy without professional evaluation, so scheduling an exam is important no matter how minor the chip seems.
What’s the bottom line?
A chipped tooth is not something to take lightly. Even if pain is minimal, the damage can worsen with time and compromise both health and appearance. Acting quickly by rinsing, protecting the tooth, and contacting your dentist can make the difference between a simple repair and more extensive treatment. With prompt attention, most chipped teeth can be restored successfully, leaving you free to smile with confidence again.