Breaking Bad: What to Do When You’ve Chipped a Tooth

Chipping a tooth is a common dental emergency that can happen when you least expect it: biting into something hard, a sports injury, or even a simple fall. While it might not always be painful, a chipped tooth should never be ignored. Taking the right steps immediately can prevent further damage and help your dentist restore your smile quickly and effectively. Here’s what to do if you chip a tooth.

Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

First, take a deep breath. Most chipped teeth are not serious, but the extent of damage can vary. Use a mirror or your tongue to check if it’s a small chip, a larger break, or if the tooth’s nerve is exposed (you’ll feel sharp pain or sensitivity if it is). If the injury involves heavy bleeding or significant trauma, seek emergency dental or medical care immediately.

Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. This helps prevent infection and clears away blood or debris. Be careful not to swallow any loose pieces of the tooth, and if possible, save the fragment in a container with milk or saline—it may help your dentist with the repair.

Stop Any Bleeding

If the gum or surrounding tissue is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze or a damp tea bag. Hold it in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and ease pain.

Avoid Further Damage

Until you can get to a dentist:

• Avoid chewing on the injured side.
• Stick to soft foods.
• Do not bite your nails or chew on objects.
• If the chipped tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, you can cover it temporarily with dental wax (available at drugstores) or sugar-free chewing gum to protect your tongue and cheek.

Call Your Dentist

Even if the chip seems minor, you should still call your dentist as soon as possible. Small chips can sometimes be smoothed out, but others may need more extensive treatment. The sooner you’re seen, the better the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding complications like infection or further breakage.

Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth

Your dentist will examine the chip and recommend the best treatment based on its size and location. Common options include:

• Dental bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s appearance.
• Porcelain veneer: A thin shell covers the front of the tooth for larger or visible chips.
• Dental crown: For more severe damage or if the tooth’s structure is weakened.
• Root canal: If the tooth’s nerve is exposed or infected.
• Tooth extraction and replacement: In rare cases where the tooth is beyond repair.

Chipping a tooth can be unsettling, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. Acting quickly, protecting the tooth, and getting professional dental care can ensure your smile is restored with minimal hassle. If you chip a tooth, don’t wait – call your dentist and take the right steps to protect your oral health.

About the Practice

Have you chipped a tooth and find yourself in need of a dentist right away? At Davidson Dental Associates, we hold emergency appointment times open to see you as soon as possible, and our team of general and specialist dentists ensures someone is available that can tend to your particular problem. We also accept dental insurance and have flexible financing options to help ease the financial burden of your visit. Schedule your appointment today online or call us at (202) 775-0022.