What Should I Do if I Chip a Tooth?

Chipping or cracking a tooth can happen when you least expect it - when enjoying a meal, playing sports, or even chewing on your pen. At Dental Care of Madison, we offer emergency dental services to get your smile back on track. We encourage you to call (601) 898-9390 right away to speak with our emergency dentist. We will determine the extent of the damage and get you the needed care as soon as possible.

What Should You Do if You Chip a Tooth?

If you chip your tooth or experience any other dental emergency, please call our office immediately. Meanwhile, the following are some things you can do to help:

1. Collect any pieces of the tooth and place them in a container of milk to keep them moist.

2. Rinse with salt water to clean your mouth and reduce the risk of infection.

3. Apply light pressure using gauze to control any bleeding.

4. If you experience pain or swelling, cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication can provide you with the needed relief.

5. If you’re traveling or cannot get immediate assistance, cover the chipped tooth with over-the-counter dental cement for protection until you can seek emergency dental care.

How Is a Chipped Tooth Treated?

The best treatment option for a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of damage and the location of the tooth. We will recommend the most conservative solution to restore your smile’s health and function while ensuring the results enhance your smile.

Here’s a look at some of our treatment options for chipped teeth:

Dental Bonding: Cosmetic bonding is ideal for minor chips. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the tooth surfaces and skillfully and artistically sculpting it to match your natural tooth enamel. Next is using a curing light to harden the material and polishing the tooth for a natural finish. Tooth bonding is a quick and conservative solution to restore your smile, taking one short visit to complete.

Dental Veneers: If you would like a more durable solution to repair a chipped tooth, you may want to consider dental veneers. The ultra-thin porcelain shells protect the front surfaces of chipped teeth, restoring their form and function. Dental veneers mimic the appearance of your natural tooth enamel, delivering incredibly natural-looking results.

Root Canal and Dental Crown: For a more severe chip that reaches the tooth’s inner pulp, we may recommend root canal therapy to save the affected tooth. After treatment, the tooth will be prone to fracture or breakage, which is why we typically recommend a dental crown for protection. Your treated tooth will look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

Tooth Extraction and Restoration: At times, a tooth chip can cause extensive damage, which can extend below the gum. If the damage is irreparable, we may need to extract the tooth to avoid complications. Our experienced dentists will talk to you about your tooth replacement options, which may include a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.

Emergency Dental Care Near Me in Madison, MS

If you chip a tooth or experience any dental emergency, call (601) 898-9390 right away. Our dedicated team is committed to providing state-of-the-art emergency dental care to get your oral health back on track. We proudly serve families in Madison, MS, and the surrounding communities.