Chipped a Tooth? Here’s What to Do Next

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it—whether you’re enjoying a meal, playing a game of pick-up basketball, or simply doing chores around the house. Beyond the initial discomfort, a chipped tooth can cause anxiety about your smile and the health of your tooth. At Urgent Dental, we understand how important quick, effective care is in these moments. Here’s what to do immediately after chipping a tooth, and the treatment options we offer to restore your smile.

Immediate Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth

If you chip a tooth, acting quickly can make all the difference. Follow these simple steps:

• Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area and remove debris.

• Evaluate the Damage: Look in a mirror if you can to assess the extent of the chip. This will help you describe the situation to our team when you call.

• Manage Pain and Swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to ease swelling and discomfort. Avoid placing ice directly on the tooth.

• Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Never place aspirin directly against the gums—it can damage the tissue.

• Protect Sharp Edges: Cover the chipped area with sugar-free gum or dental wax to avoid cuts to your tongue or cheeks.

• Eat Soft Foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods and avoid using the affected tooth.

• Contact Urgent Dental Immediately: Call us right away for an emergency appointment. If possible, send a photo of the chipped tooth to help us better understand your needs.

How We Restore Chipped Teeth at Urgent Dental

Once you’re in our care, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your tooth and recommend the best treatment to restore your smile. Here are some common solutions:

• Dental Bonding: Ideal for small, simple chips. We apply a tooth-colored composite resin, sculpt it to match your tooth’s shape and harden it with a special light.

• Dental Veneers: If the chip is larger or affects the front teeth, a porcelain veneer can beautifully cover and restore the tooth’s appearance.

• Dental Crowns: For severe damage or pain, a crown may be placed over the tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance.

• Root Canal Therapy: If the chip exposes the pulp (the tooth’s nerve center), a root canal may be necessary to remove damaged tissue, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.

• Dental Implants: In cases of severe damage where saving the tooth isn’t possible, we can place a dental implant topped with a natural-looking crown to fully restore your smile.

Why Immediate Care Matters

Chipping a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it can expose sensitive inner structures of the tooth to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. That’s why contacting Urgent Dental as soon as possible is crucial. Early intervention can often save your tooth, prevent further complications and make treatment quicker and easier.

Trust Urgent Dental to Restore Your Smile

At Urgent Dental, we specialize in emergency dental care, including chipped and broken teeth. No matter the size of the chip, we are here to provide fast, expert care to help you feel confident about your smile again. If you’ve chipped a tooth, don’t wait—contact us today for the care you need, when you need it most.