What to Do if You Chip Your Tooth

Say one day you’re chewing ice, and you notice something mixed in with the ice is not melting or breaking. With growing discomfort, you realize that it is a piece of your own broken tooth. What are you supposed to do?

At Beavers Dentistry, we are well aware that similar dental emergencies can arise at any time, especially when it seems the least convenient. When these situations come into play, immediately call Beavers Dentistry to set up an appointment for an examination. We will also give you tips on how to care for your damaged tooth.

Immediate Care for a Chipped Tooth

  • If the chip or break causes bleeding, press some gauze or a clean paper towel against the bleeding for 10 minutes.
  • Put an ice pack against the lip or cheek on the outside of the mouth nearest the tooth. This will reduce pain and swelling.
  • If the tooth hurts too badly, take an over the counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with salt water to prevent infection.
  • If the break is sharp enough that it might cut your tongue, cover it with dental cement to prevent cuts. You can find dental cement at most drug stores.
  • If you have to eat, avoid hard or crunchy foods and avoid chewing with the broken tooth. Not only could chewing be painful, it could also further damage the chip.

In-Office Treatment for a Chipped Tooth

Once you arrive at our office in Cary, we look at the damage and suggest the best option. Most cracked teeth won’t require an intensive procedure and can be fixed by dental bonding or dental crowns. Some more damaging cracks might require root canals or dental implants.

Beavers Dentistry is qualified for all of these procedures. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all of your dental emergencies in Cary!