What Do You Do if You Chip a Tooth?
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Chipping a tooth can be a painful experience, especially if it's caused by falling or something impacting your face. Parents are often the first responders to these types of incidents, which can result from sports or simply an accidental fall on the playground. First things first—don't panic!
Follow These Steps After Chipping a Tooth
A chipped tooth can be stressful, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed by the incident. However, it's key to stay calm during this situation and understand that it will be okay.
Remember, if you read this before an accident happens, you're already a step ahead of the game! Now, you'll know how to manage the situation like a pro.
- Rinse the mouth out with warm water. This initial step can clear away any blood that may be present and also help to remove particles that can irritate the sensitive area.
- Recover the chipped portion, if possible. Sometimes, the doctors in our Manhattan dental office can bond the fragments back to the tooth.
- Call our office and follow our advice. Depending on the extent of the chip, we may want you to schedule a same-day emergency appointment. Other times, the chipped tooth can wait until the next business day.
- Treat any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter medications. Medications like ibuprofen can help ease the pain and can be used in conjunction with an OTC topical numbing ointment, like Orajel. Icing the affected area can also help reduce swelling.
When is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
While a chipped tooth isn't always a medical emergency, it's still recommended that you call our Manhattan dental practice and schedule an appointment to examine the affected tooth. Chips that cause pain or bleeding are considered a dental emergency and require immediate attention.
Large chips that affect the interior of the tooth can expose nerves, causing an immediate painful sensation. Ignoring a chip may lead to damaged enamel, increased sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss in extreme cases.
Cosmetically, chipped teeth can be a fairly obvious imperfection in your smile — which many patients may feel self-conscious about. For tiny chips, we can oftentimes smooth out the rough edges and make the area blend in with its surroundings. Other treatment options include bondings or porcelain veneers.
Chipped Tooth Treatment & Repair in Manhattan, New York
Whether your chipped tooth is purely cosmetic or you need to treat an exposed nerve resulting from a chipped or broken tooth — SmilesNY is here to help. Our team has plenty of experience repairing chipped teeth, and the office provides dental bonding and contouring treatment to fix cosmetic flaws. Call (332) 249-8442 today for your complimentary cosmetic consultation.