While a chipped tooth might not seem all that serious, scheduling an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible is recommended. Not only will this help you preserve the tooth, but immediate treatment can also prevent a harmful infection from taking hold. As a trusted source of dental care to patients in Pagosa Springs, CO, King Campbell, DDS, PLLC shares what to do if you chip a tooth.

What You Can Do

First and foremost, contact your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. While you wait, rinsing the mouth with warm, salty water is good for keeping discomfort at bay. It can also help remove any food particles or bacteria, which will reduce the risk of an infection. If facial swelling is an issue, an ice pack can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

If the chipped tooth has sharp edges, you could cut the inside of your mouth. In this case, sugarless gum can be shaped over the chipped tooth to prevent sharp edges from injuring you. When it comes to eating, only consume soft foods and beverages until the dentist is available.

How Your Dentist Will Help

Your treatment will depend on how serious the chip is; very small chips are often polished down, so the tooth is completely uniform. If front teeth are significantly chipped, a bonding material can be applied to mimic the natural tooth. When a molar is damaged, a filling will be placed to prevent the inside of the tooth from being exposed to germs.

If the structure of the tooth is greatly impacted, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. However, this typically only occurs when damage is extensive and unable to be addressed by any of the above remedies. The dentist may also perform a root canal, which removes damaged areas and fills them in with dental cement.

Whether you need assistance with an urgent dental matter, like chipped teeth, or are in search of preventative dental care, King Campbell, DDS, PLLC offers top-quality service coupled with a compassionate demeanor. Make an appointment with this skilled Colorado dentist by calling (970) 731-2126 today. If you’d like more information on the complete listing of services, visit them online.