It is possible to chip a tooth at any time. It can happen when you trip and fall, have an accident during a sports game, or bite down on hard food with a bit too much force. While you might be tempted to dismiss the problem as a minor inconvenience, it is important that you take appropriate action. Otherwise, you might end up with additional complications down the road. What exactly should you do if you chipped a tooth? This blog post explains.
Manage Any Bleeding
Depending on how you chipped your tooth, some of the nearby soft tissues might be bleeding. Some clean gauze or a washcloth, applied with gentle pressure, can help to keep it under control. If the bleeding is excessive or prolonged, you might need to visit the local ER before you worry too much about your chipped tooth.
Care for Your Mouth
Swishing some warm water around your mouth can help to rinse away debris and bacteria. You could also try rinsing with warm salt water to minimize inflammation. If you are in pain, you can take over-the-counter medications to reduce your discomfort.
You should also avoid doing anything that could worsen the damage to your tooth. For example, you should not chew with it. Avoiding hard, crunchy, and chewy foods is also a good idea.
If your tooth’s jagged edges are irritating you, you can cover them with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum.
Visit Your Dentist
Regardless of the size of the chip out of your tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Without proper treatment, the damage could easily worsen. You might even end up with a severe infection or an abscess.
During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate the damage to your tooth and recommend your next steps. Small chips can usually be repaired with dental bonding, which involves molding a tooth-colored resin over the tooth to reshape it. More severe damage might require other treatments, such as the placement of a crown. In some cases, root canal therapy or even an extraction might be necessary.
A chipped tooth might seem like a small matter, but it can turn into a big deal! Taking fast action can preserve your oral health and help you feel better ASAP.
Meet the Practice
Our emergency dental team in Needham is often able to welcome emergency patients on a same-day basis. If you have a chipped tooth or have other urgent concerns about your oral health, we can evaluate the situation, help to reduce your pain, and get you on the road to recovery. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact Gillis Dental at 781-202-6357.