A chipped tooth can happen quickly—whether from chewing something hard, a sports accident, or a small fall. While some chips are minor, others can expose the inner layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity or pain. Knowing what to do right away can help prevent further damage and ensure you get the right treatment.
If you or your child has a chipped or cracked tooth, follow these steps to protect it and decide if you need emergency care.
What to Do Immediately After a Tooth is Chipped
Acting quickly after a chipped tooth can help reduce discomfort and prevent the problem from getting worse. Here’s what you should do:
- Rinse the Mouth – Use warm water to gently rinse away any debris and keep the area clean.
- Save Any Broken Pieces – If a large piece of the tooth has broken off, place it in a small container with milk or saliva. In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach it.
- Stop Any Bleeding – If the chipped area is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Apply a Cold Compress – Place an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Use Dental Wax for Sharp Edges – If the chipped tooth has a rough edge, covering it with dental wax or sugar-free gum can help protect your tongue and gums.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods – Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage.
Taking these steps can help protect the tooth until you can visit a dentist for further evaluation.
How to Tell If It’s an Emergency or a Restorative Issue
Not every chipped and cracked tooth needs immediate emergency care. How serious the chip is will decide if you need urgent care or can wait for a regular dental appointment.
Signs That It’s an Emergency
If any of the following apply, seek immediate dental care:
- Severe pain or sensitivity – This may indicate that the inner layers of the tooth enamel are exposed.
- A large portion of the tooth is missing – Significant chips or fractures weaken the tooth and require prompt attention.
- Bleeding that won’t stop – If the gum around the tooth continues to bleed excessively, contact a dentist immediately.
- The tooth is loose or displaced – If a chipped tooth feels loose or has moved out of place, it needs quick care to avoid lasting damage.
- Swelling or infection signs – If the area around the tooth swells or develops pus, you may have an infection that needs quick treatment.
When It Can Wait for a Restorative Appointment
For minor chips, you may be able to schedule a non-urgent dental visit for repair:
- A slightly chipped tooth – If a small piece of enamel is missing and there’s no pain, you can probably wait for a regular appointment.
- No sensitivity or discomfort – If the tooth doesn’t hurt or make chewing difficult, a dentist can check and fix it later.
- Smooth edges with no irritation – A small chip with smooth edges may not need urgent care, but a dentist should still check it.
Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth
Depending on the severity of the chip, a dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Dental Bonding – For a slightly chipped tooth, bonding with tooth-colored resin can restore its shape quickly and painlessly.
- Dental Veneers – If the front tooth is chipped, the dentist may place a veneer to cover the damage and enhance its appearance.
- Crowns – A large chip may require a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy – If the chip exposes the tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be needed to prevent infection.
- Tooth Extraction – In rare cases, if the tooth is too damaged to fix, the dentist may remove it and replace it with an implant or bridge.
Schedule an Appointment for Damaged Tooth Repair
If you or your child has chipped and cracked teeth, Rio Dental & Orthodontics can help. Whether it’s a small chip or a serious break, our team will check the damage and find the best way to fix your smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get expert care for your chipped tooth!
