Chipping a tooth is more than a cosmetic issue. It can be painful and damage the inside of the tooth causing the tooth to die. Many people ignore a chipped tooth until it becomes painful to deal with. At this point, the treatment is likely to be more involved than it would have been if treated immediately. If you chip a tooth, there are some steps to take immediately to prevent more serious damage to the tooth.

What to Do Immediately After You Chip a Tooth

This is not an exhaustive list of what you should do after you chip a tooth. However, these are the three things that you should do immediately. While a chipped tooth is not usually an emergency, it shouldn’t go for weeks or months without being seen. There are also some measures you can take to help ease the pain and reduce damage while you wait to be seen.

Call Your Dentist

If you chip a tooth it is imperative that you call your dentist as soon as possible. It may not be a dental emergency but your treatment options will be more varied the sooner you go to the dentist. Once the damage has spread or been made worse, you will be in for a more serious solution, such as a root canal.

Also the longer you wait, the more likely it will be that you experience intense pain as the tooth dies or the nerves become more exposed.

Avoid Hot or Cold Foods

Sometimes chipping a tooth can cause an exposed nerve which will result in sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It is best to avoid these two extremes until you see your dentist. If you are in pain already, ask your dentist about over the counter pain relievers you can use while you wait for your appointment.

Rinse With Warm Water/Use Cold Compresses

Another way to reduce pain and swelling that you can do immediately is to rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help rinse out any debris while soothing the nerves with the warm water. Cold compresses also help to reduce the swelling. When you chip a tooth it is likely that your gums will start to swell from the trauma that caused the chip. Using an ice pack can help the swelling and pain.

Treatments

There is a misconception that there is nothing that can be done for a chipped tooth. That is simply not true. There are several treatment options for a chipped tooth. Which one your dentist recommends will depend on the location and the severity of the chipped tooth.

Filling/Bonding

For the less severe chips, a filling or bonding of the chip will typically work. This is a way to cover up the chip as well as protect the nerve from exposure. A treatment such as this is something that is also done for cavities. However, if the chip is severe or is in an odd location, a filling or bond may not work.

Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are a treatment option for more severe chips. It is a more cosmetic fix but will also protect the tooth from further damage. A dental veneer is completed in two appointments. One where the surface of the damaged tooth is prepared to receive the veneer and the other is when the veneer is placed.

Root Canal

A root canal is done when the pain is intense and the nerve needs to be deadened. This is typically done when the nerve has significant exposure. It isn’t just about pain though, a root canal also helps protect the tooth from infection. Often the next step is a crown but that will depend on what your dentist recommends.

Crowns

Crowns are typically done after a procedure such as a root canal or if a large part of the tooth is chipped or broken off. This may be the only thing that stands between you and a tooth that is unable to be repaired. Having a crown placed is also done in two visits.

If you have a chipped tooth in the St. Augustine Florida area, call Dental Remedies to schedule an appointment today.