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

So you’ve chipped a tooth biting down into hard candy or while playing sport. Now what? Our dedicated team at Hebron Family Dentistry offers emergency dental services  to prevent complications and restore the tooth to its health and function. We always recommend the most conservative solutions to provide you with the needed relief and get your smile back on track. 

What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth?

If you chip a tooth, stay calm and take the following steps:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Place cold compresses over the area to reduce swelling.
• Pick up any tooth fragments and place them in milk or saliva to keep them moist.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief medication if necessary.
• Contact us immediately for an emergency appointment. 

If you have a tooth chip or any other damage, make sure to seek care even if you are not experiencing pain. Prompt care can potentially prevent and the need for extensive treatments down the road. 

What Are Your Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth?

The type of treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of damage. Dr. Watson will recommend the most conservative option to restore your smile. Here’s a look at some of our treatment options for chipped teeth: 

Cosmetic Bonding: For minor tooth chips, we may recommend cosmetic bonding. The conservative procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected tooth’s surfaces. Next, we will sculpt it to deliver a beautifully natural appearance. The quick, pain-free procedure will enhance your smile and protect your chipped tooth. 

Same-Day Crowns: If you have a larger tooth chip, we may recommend placing a dental crown for protection. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we proudly offer CEREC same-day crowns. CEREC crowns are created using omputer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology without the need for any impressions. We’ll have you back in a healthy, beautiful smile in just one office visit. 

Root Canal Therapy: If the damage to the tooth exposes the pulp tissues or nerve, you may require a root canal treatment to relieve any discomfort and save the damaged tooth. After numbing your tooth with a local anesthetic, we will make a tiny opening in the tooth’s crown to remove the pulp tissues, reshape the area, and seal the root canals to prevent further damage. The final step is placing a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.   

Restorative Dentistry Solutions Near Me in Hebron, KY

If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, Dr. Watson and our dedicated team at Hebron Family Dentistry are here to help. Whether you need dental bonding, a same-day crown, or a root canal treatment, you can count on us for exceptional care and service. We invite you to contact us at 859-689-2021 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!