How to Respond to a Chipped Tooth
Broken or chipped teeth are some of the most common types of dental injury. Chipping can occur during recreational activities, like contact sports, but may also occur as you eat or use your teeth as cutting tools.
These injuries almost always come as an unpleasant, sudden surprise so it's important to know how to respond should you experience a chipped tooth. Below, we list the steps you should take after chipping a tooth.
Locate the Pieces If Possible
In many cases, an emergency dentist can repair chips and even put knocked out teeth back in place. After the incident, try to find the tooth or any pieces.
Once you find the pieces, pick them up by the crown (the part of the tooth you usually see when it's in place). If the piece includes a portion of the tooth's root, do not touch the root.
If necessary, rinse the tooth gently. Do not remove any tissue that's attached. Once the tooth is clean, place it in milk or saline to protect it during transportation.
Rinse Your Mouth
Tooth damage often results in bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth, paying particular attention to the area around the affected tooth or empty socket.
If bleeding persists, apply a small amount of pressure to the wound using sterile gauze.
Treat Your Pain
If you experience intense discomfort after your tooth becomes damaged, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your pain. To reduce swelling, use a cold compress on your cheek. Keep the compress in place for 10 minutes at a time.
You can also take an anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pain medication. Be sure to take note of which medication you use so that you can inform your dentist.
Visit an Emergency Dentist
If you experience a chipped tooth, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can assess the damage and help you decide how best to restore your smile. Remember, teeth that come out completely need to be put back in place within an hour for the process to be successful.
If you have a chip and you found all the pieces, your dentist may be able to seamlessly attach them. If you do not have the pieces, your dentist may recommend a natural-coloured filling or a crown to cover the damaged area.
Follow these guidelines to optimise your chances of restoring your natural tooth.
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