Chipping a highly-visible tooth can be startling. Fortunately, by knowing how to handle the situation and working with a dentist quickly, you can prevent long-term issues. Here’s what you need to know the next time you have a dental emergency. 

Steps to Take if You Chip a Tooth

First, locate the portion of the fractured tooth that came off. If you recover the segment, keep it moist by either placing it under your tongue or in the space between your lower lip and bottom teeth. This protects any blood vessels and nerves that may be exposed, keeping the tooth alive.

Next, call your dentist, and make an appointment as soon as possible. If the tooth is bleeding, place a piece of clean gauze over the damaged area and hold it securely. If the damage isn’t severe, and it will be a few days before you can get to the dentist, you can soften sharp tooth edges with small pieces of dental wax. Until your tooth is repaired, stick to a diet of easy-to-chew, soft foods, such as oatmeal and yogurt.  

Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

Dentists can either rebuild, cover, or replace heavily damaged teeth. If the chip is small and doesn’t impact the structural integrity of the tooth, they may use composite resins to fill in the area. These can bond to both enamel and underlying dentin and are made to mimic the look of natural teeth.

If the interior of your tooth has been damaged, your dentist may recommend endodontic treatment or a root canal to remove any damaged nerves or blood vessels. Next, a crown will be placed over the tooth to restore the look of your smile while protecting the damaged tooth. 

Veneers can also be used to correct mild fractures, as they cover the exterior of the tooth and improve dental contours.

If you chip a tooth, reach out to the team at All Bright Dental in Westchester County, NY. With more than 15 years of experience, their dentist, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets, will help with everything from dental checkups and emergency restorations to teeth whitening and dental implants. To learn more about this practice’s services, visit the website or call (914) 698-5228.