Chipping a tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bite down on something hard, suffer a sports injury, or experience a fall, a chipped tooth can leave you wondering what to do next. While some chips are purely cosmetic, others expose the inner layers of the tooth and require prompt treatment to prevent further damage.
If you’ve chipped a tooth, taking the right steps can help protect your smile until you can see your dentist.
Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth
Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water. This helps remove any debris and reduces the risk of bacteria entering the damaged area. If your mouth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze until the bleeding stops.
Step 2: Save Any Broken Pieces
If you can find the chipped fragment, carefully rinse it with water and place it in a clean container. While it isn’t always possible to reattach the piece, bringing it to your dental appointment gives your dentist the opportunity to determine whether it can be used during your treatment.
Step 3: Protect the Tooth
A chipped tooth may have rough or sharp edges that can irritate your tongue or the inside of your cheeks. Cover the area with dental wax if you have it available. If not, sugar-free chewing gum can provide temporary protection until you receive professional care.
Avoid chewing on the damaged side of your mouth and choose soft foods to reduce pressure on the affected tooth.
Step 4: Manage Pain and Swelling
Some chipped teeth cause little discomfort, while others can be quite painful, especially if the chip exposes the dentin or dental pulp. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help minimize swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help ease discomfort when taken according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 5: Contact Your Dentist
Even if the chip seems minor, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Small chips can become larger over time, and untreated damage may increase your risk of tooth sensitivity, decay, or infection.
Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may recommend cosmetic bonding, a porcelain veneer, a dental crown, or another restorative treatment to restore the tooth’s appearance and strength.
A chipped tooth isn’t always a dental emergency, but it should never be ignored. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. If you’ve chipped a tooth, contact your dentist right away for an evaluation. The sooner the damage is assessed, the sooner you can return to smiling, speaking, and eating with confidence.
About the Practice
Do you need a solution to your chipped tooth? Dental crowns are a tried-and-true way of restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Our restorations are long-lasting and natural-looking, not to mention 100 percent custom made for each of our patients. Also, you’ll be treated by an attentive and caring team that prioritizes your comfort and desired results. Go ahead and schedule your appointment through our website or call our Raleigh office at (919) 781-8610.