While having lunch with friends, you bite into something hard when suddenly, your tooth chips. Oh no! This incident can be unsettling but rest assured – remaining calm and following the right steps can help you handle it with ease. If you chipped a tooth, here’s what to do to alleviate discomfort and avoid permanent damage.
Rinse Your Mouth
The first thing you should do after chipping or breaking a tooth is to rinse your mouth. Swish with warm water to keep the area clean and wash away any blood or dirt. If a part of your broken tooth is still in your mouth, rinsing will help get it out and prevent you from swallowing it.
Stop the Bleeding
If you’re bleeding, use a clean towel or gauze to apply pressure to the area and help stop it. It also lowers your risk of swallowing excess blood. Try not to scrub or irritate the site as it can cause discomfort and even increase bleeding. If the bleeding is excessive and you can’t control it, dial 911 or go to the closest emergency room right away. Your injuries may be more than just a chipped tooth and require immediate medical assistance.
Keep the Tooth Safe
Whether it’s the entire tooth or just a chip, try to save what you can as your dentist may be able to replace it. Gently rinse it with milk or clean water to wash away any debris. Then, immediately submerge it in cold milk, saline solution, or even a small puddle of your saliva to preserve it until you get to your dentist.
Apply a Cold Compress
Apply an ice pack, or another cold compress, to the injured area to alleviate discomfort, reduce swelling, and control bleeding. If you don’t have a cold compress on hand, fill a Ziplock bag with ice and wrap it with a towel before applying.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Are you experiencing significant pain? Take an OTC pain reliever to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and acetaminophen are common medications that can help with discomfort.
Contact Your Dentist
Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, you should contact your dentist immediately after chipping or breaking a tooth. A fractured tooth can lead to infection and other severe oral health issues down the line, even if it is minor. Schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible for immediate treatment.
How Can Your Dentist Treat a Chipped Tooth?
There are a few ways your dentist can treat a broken or chipped tooth, including:
- Dental Filling – A tooth filling can repair minor damage, such as small chips and cracks. A composite resin is applied over the flawed tooth to protect it.
- Dental Crown – If a large piece has broken off, a crown can be fitted over the tooth to protect the nerves underneath.
- Root Canal – Sometimes, the dental pulp becomes infected when a tooth breaks. A root canal will be performed to remove the infection, and a crown will be placed to protect the tooth.
If you suddenly chip a tooth, don’t panic – follow these steps and contact your dentist immediately for treatment. Before you know it, your smile will be restored and as beautiful as ever!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean has a passion for helping patients achieve their best smiles and maintain good oral health for years to come. He completes numerous hours of continuing education to stay current with the latest technology and procedures in dentistry. Dr. Dean and the team at Dean Dental Care understand that emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why he offers same-day restorations to save your tooth. If you have a chipped tooth, schedule an emergency visit via our website or call (770) 786-3915.