The right first steps after a chip, what to save, and how we repair it once you are in the chair.
Chipped teeth happen, from a fall, a hard bite, or simple wear over time. The good news is that most chips are straightforward to treat once you are seen. The key is to stay calm and get a professional look at it promptly so a small problem stays small.
How common is a chipped tooth?
Very. The American Association of Endodontists notes that chips make up a large share of dental injuries. Most resolve well with the right treatment, so a chip is rarely cause for panic, just a reason to be seen.
What to do right away
While you arrange a visit, the American Dental Association suggests a few simple steps:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure until it stops.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to ease swelling.
- If you can find the broken piece, keep it in wet gauze and bring it with you.
- An over-the-counter pain reliever can manage discomfort in the meantime.
Children versus adults
A chip is handled a little differently depending on the tooth. With a child's primary teeth, the priority is protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath. Adult teeth call for their own approach, which we tailor to the tooth and the extent of the damage.
How we repair it
Depending on how much of the tooth is affected and where, the fix may be reattaching the fragment, smoothing and contouring the edge, dental bonding, a veneer, or, for deeper damage, a root canal or crown. We walk you through the options so you understand the trade-offs before anything is done.
Caring for a treated tooth
Once repaired, keep up with brushing twice a day and regular flossing, go easy on the treated tooth while it settles, skip very hard foods for a while, and keep any follow-up visits so we can make sure it is holding up well.