What to Do if You Chip a Tooth

A chipped tooth occurs when a small part of the tooth’s enamel breaks off. While chips don't always cause pain, most people would prefer to have them repaired for aesthetic reasons. Small chips can be repaired through bonding or dental filling, but when there's bleeding after you've chipped a tooth, you may require an emergency repair. If you're unsure of what to do if and when you chip a tooth, take a look at the few steps below to ensure the chip is fixed as fast, painlessly, and affordably as possible.

Make a Dentist Appointment

To prevent future issues, a chipped tooth should be addressed quickly. Sometimes, parents are unsure as to whether or not they need to have a child's chipped baby tooth repaired, but the best course of action is to always consult with your family dentist. Sherwood Park families that visit Bennett Dental will receive comprehensive treatment options that will provide the best option for the tooth now and in the future.  

Take Care of the Tooth

Once again, a chipped tooth requires immediate attention. There are a few things you can do to protect your tooth and reduce possible swelling, bleeding, and pain before your dental appointment. For example:

·         Use clean gauze and apply pressure to stop bleeding

·         Rinse with warm water to clear away blood and possible irritants, as well as reduce pain

·         Take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Note: avoid aspirin, as it may worsen bleeding

·         To reduce swelling, place a cold compress or an ice pack on your face around the area of the chipped tooth

·         Save the tooth chip if you can and preserve it in milk, as it could possibly be reattached to the tooth

Treatment Options

Bonding or dental filling are the most common treatment options for chipped teeth, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. For example, a root canal can be performed if the chip exposes a nerve or causes recurring infections. Following the root canal, a crown can be placed over the chipped tooth for protection and aesthetics. Enamel shaping is another option for treating a chipped tooth, albeit an uncommon one. This is a common treatment option for smaller chips or in cases of uneven or oversized teeth. Finally, veneers may be applied as a cosmetic fix. This option includes bonding a thin layer of custom-designed resin or porcelain to the chipped tooth’s surface. In cases where the chip extends below the surface of the gums, a tooth extraction must be performed. After an examination, your dentist will recommend the best option for repairing your tooth.

If you have questions about chipped teeth, require immediate dental attention or simply wish to book a check-up, please contact our office: (780) 467-2900.