Chipped and broken teeth contribute to a large number of dental emergencies. A chipped tooth can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you might be aware of the chip, but in other cases, the first sign of it could be a toothache. Knowing what to do with a chipped tooth can save you from further damage and help you identify if you have a dental emergency that requires the intervention of an emergency dentist. Let’s take a look at your options.
What To Do With A Chipped Tooth?
If you bite down on a hard piece of candy, you might feel or see a piece of your tooth chip or break. If a piece of tooth breaks off, you may be having a dental emergency, and you should contact an emergency dentist right away. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and make an appointment with your emergency dentist.
Avoiding Dental Emergencies: What To Do With A Fractured Or Broken Tooth
Protecting your tooth should be your first priority if you have a chipped tooth. Even small cracks in the surface of your tooth can leave it vulnerable to bacteria and infection, which could lead to a dental emergency.
If the chipped tooth has a sharp edge, you need to cover it up, so you don’t slice into the soft tissue of your mouth. Dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum can be used to smooth over the edges until your dental appointment.
Try to eat on the other side of your mouth and rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution straight afterwards to keep your mouth clean.
If the broken tooth is causing pain, try over-the-counter pain medication or clove oil for relief. Avoid hot and cold beverages and foods if you have tooth sensitivity.
In the event of a knocked-out tooth, you must try to find the tooth and visit your dentist within 30-minutes. It may be possible to have it put back in the socket if you can make this timeline.
Why A Chipped Tooth Could Be A Dental Emergency?
It isn’t possible for you to repair a chipped tooth yourself. Even the smallest chip or crack needs to be seen by your dentist so it can be repaired. If it is a small chip, your dentist may be able to repair it with a dental filling.
If a small chip has left a jagged edge, it may be possible for your dentist to polish the edge to smooth it out without the need for a restoration
If a large piece of your tooth has chipped off, your dentist may need to create a dental crown to restore your tooth’s form and function.
The cost of not treating a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth could be very high. If bacteria can penetrate your tooth structure, it could lead to an infection, root canal, tooth loss, or other dental emergencies that can be expensive to treat.
For help with what to do with a chipped tooth, please contact us immediately for an appointment: (02) 4210 9058.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth
Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth
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