If you chip a tooth, the urgency of dental assessment depends on the size and location of the chip, symptoms and whether deeper tooth structure has been affected. Some chips may cause little or no discomfort, while others may require more prompt assessment.
Management depends on the extent of the chip, the condition of the dental pulp and the amount of remaining tooth structure. Options may include monitoring, bonding, a filling, crown, root canal treatment or another approach where clinically appropriate.
When is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
A chipped tooth is not always a dental emergency. More urgent assessment may be appropriate if there is severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or substantial dental trauma.
A larger fracture may expose deeper tooth structure and can cause pain, sensitivity or bleeding. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate urgency and treatment options.
What to Do if You Chip Your Tooth: Chipped Tooth First Aid
While waiting for dental assessment, some temporary measures may be appropriate depending on the symptoms and type of injury:
- Gently rinse the mouth with water if debris is present.
- If there is minor bleeding, apply gentle, continuous pressure with clean gauze.
- After dental trauma, a cold compress wrapped in cloth may be applied externally for short periods.
What to Do if a Chipped Tooth Has a Sharp Edge
Dental wax may be used temporarily over a sharp tooth edge that is irritating the tongue or cheek, where it can be applied without forcing material into the damaged tooth.
This article is about chipped teeth, so the braces advice is unnecessary and distracts from the topic.
What to Do if You Chip Your Tooth: Visit a Dentist
A dentist can assess the size and location of the chip, symptoms, remaining tooth structure and whether the dental pulp has been affected. The urgency depends on the clinical findings.
Some smaller chips may require no restorative treatment, while others may expose dentine or deeper tooth structure and cause sensitivity. Dental assessment can help determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Dental Treatments for a Chipped Tooth
Management options depend on the chip’s size and location, symptoms, pulp condition and remaining tooth structure.
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Dental Bonding or Fillings
Dental bonding or a filling may be considered for selected minor chips or fractures where enough tooth structure remains for a direct restoration.
Where direct composite treatment is appropriate, the tooth surface is prepared and composite resin is applied, shaped and hardened according to the material and treatment plan.
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Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surface of selected teeth. They may be considered for some chipped front teeth where the remaining tooth structure, bite and fracture pattern are suitable.
The number of appointments required for veneer treatment varies according to the restoration, preparation and fabrication process.
Veneer treatment may involve removal of enamel to create space for the restoration. The amount of preparation varies according to the veneer design, tooth position and existing tooth structure.
An impression or digital scan may be taken where an indirect veneer is being fabricated. Temporary restorations may be provided depending on the amount of preparation and individual treatment plan.
Before bonding, the dentist assesses the veneer’s fit, shade, shape and relationship with the bite. The restoration is then bonded using an adhesive system appropriate for the veneer material.
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Dental Crown
A dental crown may be considered where the amount of remaining tooth structure and fracture pattern are suitable for a full-coverage restoration.
The crown process and number of appointments vary according to the restoration type, fabrication method and individual treatment plan.
Dental crowns can be made from different materials. Material selection depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, bite, remaining tooth structure and treatment requirements.
Arrange an Assessment for a Chipped Tooth
If you have a chipped tooth, tooth pain, swelling or another urgent dental concern, contact Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora to arrange an assessment. A dentist can examine the tooth and discuss treatment options based on the clinical findings.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, or there is significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or substantial dental trauma, urgent dental assessment may be required.
Seek urgent medical assessment if dental or facial symptoms are causing difficulty breathing, significant difficulty swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening problem.
