After you chip a tooth, you likely want to have it repaired as soon as possible. But is a chipped tooth an emergency, or can you wait until a convenient time to see your dentist? You don’t want to panic, nor do you want to delay treatment and cause a more severe problem. Continue reading to learn more about what you should do if you chip a tooth.
Contact Trident Dental if you need help with a chipped tooth or another dental emergency.
Common Causes of a Chipped Tooth
A tooth can chip for several possible reasons, including:
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Tooth decay. A dental cavity begins as a small hole in the enamel. However, once the cavity reaches the softer underlying dentin, it can weaken the tooth and cause the enamel to chip.
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Teeth grinding. This habit, known as bruxism, can have several causes, such as TMJ disorder. The frequent pressure on your teeth can cause them to weaken and crack.
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Trauma. Getting hit in the mouth during sports or an accident can damage your teeth and gums. Trauma can also occur if you bite down on a hard food item.
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Misaligned teeth. Having a bad bite can make teeth vulnerable to cracking during chewing or excessive wear.
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Chewing habits. Chewing on non-food items such as fingernails, ice, or ink pens can cause chips in your teeth.
When is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
Although many chipped teeth can wait for treatment at a convenient time, some require immediate attention. (You can call Trident Dental at 843-TRIDENT NOW to help make this decision.) Here are some general guidelines for when a chipped tooth is an emergency. You probably have an emergency if:
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You have pain.
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You have bleeding.
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Your tooth is loose.
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You can’t chew on the tooth.
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Your lip, gums, or cheek is cut and bleeding
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You have dizziness, headache, or difficulty breathing.
Steps To Take If You Chip a Tooth
For most chipped teeth, you can take the steps listed below. However, use these as a guide since it is best to contact us and describe your situation.
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Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris or blood.
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Place gauze or moist cloth on any bleeding area and apply light pressure.
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If you can’t see your dentist, purchase dental cement at a drugstore and cover the chipped tooth.
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Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
One of your chief concerns after chipping a tooth is having it repaired to look and function like your natural tooth. In most cases, this is possible due to the advances in modern dental materials and techniques. Unfortunately, some extensively chipped teeth cannot be restored and require removal. If you require a tooth extraction, we can discuss how to replace your tooth, including dental implants.
The common treatments to restore most chipped teeth include:
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Traditional dental fillings.
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Tooth-colored dental bonding.
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Dental veneers.
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Porcelain or metal crowns.
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Dental crowns and bridges.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can restore a chipped tooth and give you back a bright and beautiful smile.