Depending on its severity, a chipped tooth may or may not be a dental emergency. Looking in the mirror to see a small portion of your smile suddenly gone can be alarming, but it’s important to remember not to panic. Instead, there are steps you can take to ensure no additional damage occurs and that you get the help you need.
What Can Cause a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth can be the result of:
- Facial trauma
- Biting down on a hard piece of food
- Chewing on inanimate objects, like pens and pencils
- Using your teeth as tools
- Teeth grinding
- Weakened tooth enamel caused by an unhealthy diet or cavities
How Should You Handle a Chipped Tooth?
If you suffer a chipped tooth, you should evaluate the extent of the damage before calling your dentist’s office. A professional will be the only one who can determine how serious the injury is, but your explanation can provide team members with more details as they prepare to schedule your appointment.
While waiting to see your emergency dentist, you can take the following steps to manage your injured smile:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out any debris.
- Use clean gauze and apply pressure to the tooth to stop the bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek (the side with the chipped tooth) to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to address soreness. Be sure to avoid aspirin, as it can cause additional bleeding.
- Apply orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum to the jagged edges of the tooth to prevent soft tissue damage.
- Retrieve the detached portion of the tooth and bring it with you to your appointment. Place it in a container of milk or saline, as your dentist might be able to save and reattach it.
Once arriving at the dentist’s office, they may use cosmetic bonding to put the detached piece back in place. If this proves unsuccessful, your dentist may suggest a dental crown, especially if it is a large chip that affects the tooth’s stability and function.
Dealing with a chipped tooth may not be what you envisioned; however, with the right approach and proper steps, you can safeguard your smile until you can see your emergency dentist.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
Our Grand Dental – Lake Zurich team can assist with nearly all types of dental emergencies, including chipped teeth. When an injury like this occurs, we can provide first-aid tips over the phone to help patients manage their situation and alleviate any pain they might experience. Offering various restorative and cosmetic solutions to repair damaged teeth, our team can evaluate the injury and ensure beautiful results moving forward. If you chipped a tooth and need help to fix it, visit our website or call (847) 443-3953 to schedule an appointment.