Suddenly chipping or breaking a tooth can be a jarring experience, but don’t panic (easier said than done). Whether it happened while biting into something hard or from an unexpected fall, chipped teeth are surprisingly common and very treatable. Knowing what to do next can save you discomfort, prevent complications, and get your smile looking great again in no time. Calm, cool, and collected, here’s what you should do.
Step One: Call Your Dentist Right Away
Even a small chip can compromise the strength of your tooth or expose sensitive inner layers. That’s why calling your dentist as soon as possible is key. They’ll ask about your symptoms, guide you through immediate steps, and schedule a prompt visit. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress if there’s swelling. If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk or saline solution and bring it with you.
Step Two: Know Your Treatment Options
There are a range of solutions, and the right one depends on how much of the tooth is damaged. For small chips, your dentist may simply smooth and polish the area or use dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin that restores the enamel’s shape and function in a single visit. For larger breaks, a veneer or crown offers strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting coverage. If the fracture reaches the tooth’s nerve, a root canal and crown may be necessary to protect against infection and relieve pain.
No Judgment, Just Solutions
Dentists understand that accidents happen, and they’re not here to scold, just to help. Whether the damage is purely cosmetic or more serious, they’ll walk you through the best treatment plan and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. The goal is to restore both your smile and peace of mind so you leave looking and feeling like nothing happened.
Your Smile Can Bounce Back
While a chipped tooth can feel like a big deal in the moment, the good news is that it’s usually fixable and often easier than people expect. By acting quickly and trusting your dental team, you’ll be able to put this little incident behind you in no time.
About the Practice
At Silver Creek Dentistry, our dentists always take the time to listen carefully to our patients so that they can truly meet all of their dental needs. When it comes to chipped teeth, we act fast and offer multiple solutions, including veneers, crowns, and root canal treatment for pain. To schedule a same-day emergency appointment at our office in Ripon, visit our website or call (920) 748-7200.