There are plenty of ways a tooth can chip or break: biting into something a little too hard, a fall, or a stray elbow during a pickup hockey game. Whatever it is, chipping your tooth can be startling or even cause you to panic. However, staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference in how things turn out.
First steps to take right away
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any debris. If you can find the broken piece, save it in a small container with milk or a bit of saliva, as your dentist may be able to use it. A cold compress against your cheek will help with swelling, and an over-the-counter pain reliever can ease discomfort in the meantime. If there’s a sharp or jagged edge, covering it with a bit of dental wax or sugar-free gum can protect your tongue and cheeks until you’re seen.
What to avoid
Don’t chew on the affected side, and resist the urge to file down the edge yourself or patch it with household glue. It’s also best not to ignore a small chip. Even if it doesn’t hurt, bacteria can sneak in and cause bigger problems down the road.
Getting it fixed
Treatment depends on how much of the tooth is affected. A small chip is often repaired with simple bonding, while a larger break may call for a veneer or, in more significant cases, a dental crown to protect what’s left of the tooth and restore its strength.
Don’t wait it out
Even painless chips can worsen over time, so it’s worth getting checked sooner rather than later. The sooner we see you, the simpler — and often less costly — your treatment is likely to be.
Chipped a tooth? Give us a call, and we’ll get you in to take a look.