Life comes at you fast, and whether it’s biting into something hard, falling, or grinding your teeth—there are plenty of ways to damage a tooth! But while it might be concerning, a chipped tooth isn’t the end of the world as long as you get it fixed. Continue reading to learn what to do after chipping one of your pearly whites. You’ll learn the dangers of ignoring it and how your dentist can help restore your smile.
Step 1: Breathe and Assess
First, take a deep breath! Chipped teeth can range from minor cosmetic damage to large cracks that expose the sensitive inner layers. Once you’ve taken a moment to calm down, check the damage in a mirror or feel it with your tongue.
Does the chip feel small and smooth or jagged and sharp? Is there pain, sensitivity, or bleeding? This is all important information to give your dentist as soon as you call them.
Step 2: Rinse and Protect
Once you’ve assessed the damage and called your dentist, rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris and bacteria. Any large fragments of your tooth you find should be placed in a small container.
If the chipped area has a sharp edge that’s irritating your tongue or cheek, you can temporarily cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax until you see your dentist.
Step 3: See Your Dentist
Once you arrive, your dentist can begin your treatment. They’ll first do a full examination of the affected area, including your gums and surrounding teeth. Then, they’ll work on a treatment plan to get your smile back into shape. The treatment they use depends on the severity of the damage.
For small chips, dental bonding is a quick, painless fix that smooths and reshapes the tooth using tooth-colored resin. If the chip is larger or at risk, a veneer or crown may be needed to restore the tooth’s structure and appearance.
What Happens If You Ignore a Chipped Tooth?
Even small chips should be treated with care as they can expose the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria. While this may not cause issues right away, it could lead to an infection that may eventually cause pain and damage to the inside of the tooth. This is why it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to receive treatment.
A chipped tooth may be concerning and inconvenient, but it’s easily fixable! The key is acting quickly. So, protect the area, watch what you eat, and see your dentist at the first available opportunity. Before you know it, your smile will be as good as new!
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew is a passionate dentist who has been helping patients in Brick Township achieve healthier smiles for many years. He earned his dental doctorate from New Yorn University and opened his first practice in 2018. Today, he continues to strive for excellence with over 300 hours of continuing education every year. Call (732) 475-7535 to schedule an emergency appointment at Nu Dental Brick or visit our website to learn more.