Chipped Tooth: What You Need to Do Right Away

If you have a chipped tooth, it's important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Here's a quick guide on what you need to do.

Most dentists have reported an increase in teeth grinding and clenching among patients, with 63% having chipped teeth.

If you have a chipped tooth, seek treatment from a dental professional as soon as possible. Leaving a chipped tooth untreated can lead to further damage, pain, and the need for more extensive and costly treatment.



There are several options for treating a chipped tooth, depending on the size and location of the chip and the overall health of the tooth. Below is a guide that highlights the causes of a chipped tooth and how to care for it:

A chipped tooth can result from a variety of scenarios. Some of the common issues include:



• Accidents or Trauma: You can get a chipped tooth due to a blow to the face, a sports injury, or a fall
• Biting Down on Hard Objects: If you regularly bite down on hard objects like ice or hard candy, it can cause your tooth to chip
• Grinding or Clenching Teeth: People who grind their teeth or clench their jaw can put a lot of pressure on their teeth, which can lead to chipping
• Dental Decay: Large cavities can cause your tooth to become weak, making them prone to chipping
• Age: As you get older, your teeth may become brittle and more likely to chip
  

If your tooth is chipped, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, try the following home remedies to care for your tooth:



• Wash your mouth with warm salty water
• Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean piece of gauze or a damp cloth in case of bleeding
• Apply clove oil to the affected area—a numbing agent with anti-inflammatory properties
• Take the recommended dosage of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen
• Cover the jagged edges of the tooth with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to stop it from bruising your mouth
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
• Eat soft foods
• Avoid biting down on the side with the chipped tooth
  

Finding a dentist soon after you chip your tooth can help you get the best possible treatment. Your treatment will depend on the extent of the damage and the location of the chip. Possible treatments for a chipped tooth may include:

Bonding

If the chip is small and only affects the surface of the tooth, your dentist may recommend bonding. This dental work involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area and shaping it to match the contours of the tooth.

The procedure is simple and won’t require any numbing. To bond a tooth, your dentist will first etch its surface with a gel to ensure the bonding material sticks to it. Next, they will apply an adhesive material to the tooth and then a tooth-colored resin.

Once they’re done shaping the resin to look like a natural tooth, your dentist will harden the material using ultraviolet light.

Filling

For larger chips that go deeper into the tooth, fillings may be an ideal dental treatment. The filling repairs the damaged portion of the tooth to restore its normal function.

Your dentist will start by numbing the area around the chipped tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Then, they will remove any fragments from the chipped tooth and clean out any decay.

After preparing the tooth, the dentist will fill the prepared area with a filling material and shape it to match the contours of your tooth. They will then harden the filling material and polish it.

Crown

If a large piece of your tooth chips, your dentist may file away the residual tooth and cover it with a crown. This will not only protect your tooth but also improve its appearance.

Getting a crown for a chipped tooth can take two visits to the dentistry office. During your first visit, the dentist will use dental x-rays to examine the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.

If the dentist doesn’t detect any further issues, they will numb the tooth and surrounding gums before removing the residual tooth. This will help make room for a crown.

Next, the dentist makes an impression of the tooth receiving the crown and the one it will touch when you bite down. To make the crown, they will send these impressions to the lab. A temporary crown will then be placed in the affected area.

For the next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place.

Dental Veneers

Chipped the front surface of your tooth?

Dental veneers can help improve the appearance of your tooth. Made of porcelain or composite material, they’re designed to cover the front surface of your teeth.

To prepare your tooth for veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from its surface. Next, the dentist will take an impression of your tooth to create a custom-made veneer. Once the veneer is ready, the dentist will place it on your tooth and carefully adjust it to ensure a proper fit.

The dentist then bonds it to your tooth using a special adhesive and applies a special light to activate chemicals in the adhesive so that it hardens fast.

Root Canal

A root canal for a chipped tooth may not be necessary unless the chip caused significant damage to the inner pulp of your tooth.



During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the damaged tissue from the inside of the tooth. They will then clean the root canal and seal it to prevent further infection. Once it’s done, they will restore your tooth with a filling or crown to protect it and restore its function.

We understand that chipped teeth can be very painful. To protect your teeth, get the best emergency dentistry in Brewster, NY. At Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental care to restore your chipped tooth.



Contact us today to book an appointment.