What Should You Do if You’ve Chipped a Tooth?

Chipping a tooth can be unsettling and painful, whether it happens when biting into a hard candy or while playing sports. Our team at High Street Dentistry has put together a guide outlining what to do immediately after chipping a tooth and how our team can restore your smile to its health, function, and natural appearance. Remember, a chipped tooth may not appear as serious as it really is, so it’s important to seek emergency dental care to prevent any complications. 

What Steps Should You Take if You’ve Chipped a Tooth? 

If any tooth fragments remain, place them in milk or saliva to keep them moist and contact our office for guidance. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding, and use cold compresses to alleviate discomfort or swelling. If needed, over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve any pain. 

What Are Your Chipped Teeth Treatment Options?

Dr. Jones will evaluate the affected tooth and recommend the most conservative treatment option, depending on the extent of damage. The following are some treatment options we may recommend to restore your smile’s health, form, and function: 

• Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding can be ideal for repairing minor chips. The noninvasive procedure involves placing a tooth-colored composite resin material onto the surface of the damaged tooth and carefully sculpting it to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. 
• Dental Veneers: More severe damage may require veneers, which are ultra-thin porcelain shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth to repair chips and other tooth flaws and imperfections. We can place one veneer over the chipped tooth or on several teeth, upgrading the health and appearance of your smile.
• Dental Crowns: If a tooth is broken or severely damaged, or if a significant amount of tooth structure is missing, a dental crown may be a better option to restore your smile. Your aesthetic restoration will fully encase the damaged tooth, restoring its health, strength, and function while preventing further damage.
• Root Canal Therapy: If a large chunk of the tooth is missing or if a crack affects the inner tooth pulp, we may recommend root canal therapy followed by dental crown placement. The endodontic procedure can save a damaged tooth and restore its health, form, and function. 
• Extraction and Replacement: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extracting it may be the only viable option. We may recommend an aesthetic tooth replacement option, such as a dental implant or bridge, to restore your complete smile and to keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment.  

Restorative Dentistry Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

If you’ve chipped, broken, or otherwise damaged a tooth, Dr. Jones and our dedicated team at High Street Dentistry are here to help. We always recommend the most conservative restorative dentistry option while ensuring the best possible outcomes for your smile. We invite you to call (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!