What Should You Do if You’ve Chipped a Tooth?

So you’ve bitten down into something hard and had a piece of your tooth break off. Now what? While this is undoubtedly an unsettling experience, our team at Cream City Dental is here to help. We offer cutting-edge restorative dentistry options to restore the health and function of your affected tooth. You can count on us for the highest level of care and service!

Steps to Take if You’ve Chipped a Tooth

If you chip a tooth, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Use a mirror if possible to determine the extent of the damage. Is it a minor chip? Has a significant portion of the tooth broken off? Make sure to contact Cream City Dental for guidance. Remember – a tooth chip may be more serious than it looks, so it’s essential to seek immediate care to prevent complications.

Meanwhile, gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area around your chipped tooth to remove any debris and minimize the risk of infection. Try to locate any broken-off pieces of your tooth, place them in a clean container with some milk or saliva, and bring them with you to our office.

If the chipped tooth is bleeding, gentle pressure with clean gauze can help stop the bleeding. If needed, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate any discomfort. Additionally, cold compresses can reduce swelling and help ease your discomfort.

What You Can Expect During Your Urgent Care Appointment

The type of treatment you will require to restore your tooth will depend on the extent of damage. Here are some restorative options to repair chipped teeth:

• Dental Fillings: For a minor chip, we may recommend repairing the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin dental filling material, a procedure known as cosmetic bonding. Dr. Ibrahem, our experienced dentist, will place the filling material onto the tooth and skillfully and artistically sculpt it to resemble your natural tooth structure.
• Porcelain Veneers: Depending on the extent of your chip, a porcelain veneer may be a better option to restore your smile’s health and function. The procedure involves placing an ultra-fine porcelain shell over the front and sides of the affected tooth, covering the chip, and strengthening the tooth structure.
• Crown: If a significant portion of your tooth is missing or the chip has weakened the tooth structure, we may recommend a dental crown. The custom-made “cap” covers the entire tooth structure visible over the gums, providing strength and resilience comparable to natural teeth.
• Root Canal: In some cases, a chipped tooth may expose and damage the inner pulp, leading to pain and sensitivity and leaving the affected tooth at risk for infection and complications. If this occurs, we may recommend a root canal treatment to preserve the tooth and restore its health, form, and function.
• Extraction: Extraction may be our only viable option if the chip is extensive and the tooth cannot be repaired using any restorative technique. Dr. Ibrahem may recommend a replacement option such as an implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore your complete smile and prevent oral health complications from tooth loss.

Restorative Dentistry Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI

Timely intervention is critical when it comes to treating a chipped tooth. Otherwise, you risk further damage and complications down the road. So, if you chip a tooth, contact Cream City Dental to get your oral health and your seamless smile back on track. We invite you to call us at 414-476-4777 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.