Accidents happen. Especially when it comes to teeth.

Though typically strong, stable, and sturdy enough to hold up to decades of chewing foods of varied consistencies, there are occasions when something happens and a tooth simply can’t withstand the pressure. 

Sometimes it happens when you bite into food that’s too hard. Sometimes it happens after a collision during sports or another activity. Other the culprit is simply a wrong step, a stumble, and a face-plant into an immovable object. 

The bottom line is, whenever a chipped tooth occurs, it’s important to know what to do next to ensure the best possible restoration of your smile. 

How to Immediately Care for a Chipped Tooth

There are four important steps to remember in any scenario where you’ve chipped a tooth: Rinse the tooth, press the tooth, call for an appointment, and cover the tooth. 

Rinse.

Using warm water, rinse your mouth to clear it of any extras that may be left over after the chip occurs. Depending on the size, if you haven’t located the chipped portion of your tooth, you may discover it during this process. 

Press.

Sometimes bleeding can accompany a chipped tooth. Applying a gauze or a type of bandage to the affected area will stop the bleeding so you can focus on taking care of the next step. 

Call.

At South University Dental, we suggest calling for an appointment right away. It’s important for a professional to get an accurate assessment of any damage and develop a strategy to fix the chip as soon as possible. 

Cover.

If you are unable to see your dentist the day your chipped tooth happens, you can find products to cover the chip. This provides protection until the day of the appointment. DenTek, Dentemp, or Recapit are suitable tooth coverage products available at most drug stores. 

What if my chipped tooth hurts? 

Depending on the depth of the chip, you may or may not feel pain, depending on whether nerves in the inner layer of the tooth have been damaged or exposed. When these nerves are exposed, sensitivity can occur when chewing or also when exposed to hot or cold food and drinks. 

If a chip happens in a molar, to one of the ‘pointed’ chewing surfaces, this is rarely painful. However, it is still important to have this examined by a dental professional. At South University Dental, our professionals frequently see occurrences where a chipped tooth in the back, over time, can break down due to additional decay or damage. Getting these types of chips crowned or restored is important. 

Questions about how to handle your chipped tooth? The experts at South University Dental are available to assist. 

Have you recently experienced a chipped tooth and aren’t sure what to do? It’s important to get care as soon as possible. This is a situation that can become worse over time. The professionals at South University Dental in Fargo are know how to ensure your smile is restored quickly. If you’re searching for premium quality dental care in the Red River Valley, email our office or call (701) 232-8884. One of our friendly team members will happily help you schedule a convenient appointment time.