Accidents happen. Biting on something too hard, tripping and knocking your face, or using your teeth to pry something open are common problems that can quickly lead to dental problems. Your teeth aren't invincible, and sometimes they break. So, how can you fix a chipped tooth?
Fixing a chipped tooth involves identifying the damage, minimizing risks, and getting professional dental help. Your dentist can recommend a range of treatments, like veneers and dental bonding, to help keep your smile functional and beautiful.
Acting quickly can help prevent long-term issues. When you have a toothache or a cracked tooth, visit Dentistes REMA in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Brossard, Drummondville, Granby, and Warwick.
How to Recognize a Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth happens when part of the enamel breaks off. Enamel erosion is often due to wear and tear, but plenty of external problems cause tooth damage. While it may not seem urgent at first, a chipped tooth can quickly become a serious problem.
Some signs that can help you determine if you’ve chipped a tooth include:
- A visible crack or notice a piece missing from your tooth
- The tooth surface feels rough or sharp, irritating your tongue or cheek
- Severe discomfort when chewing or biting down
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods & drinks
- Swelling, discoloration, or even bleeding around the affected area
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consult your dentist.
Common Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Many things can cause a chipped tooth, some of them surprising. Your lifestyle and habits all play a role in the likelihood of damage. Some common causes include:
- Accidents, such as falls, sports injuries, or other trauma to the face
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep (bruxism)
- Biting hard foods & objects, like nuts, candy, or pen caps
- Playing contact sports without wearing a mouthguard
- Tooth decay, weakening the enamel over time
If you suspect a chipped tooth, don’t ignore it. Through various treatments, your dentist can help restore the function—and appearance—of your smile.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Serious Problem?
Even if your chipped tooth happens after something as simple as eating, it can quickly worsen. When a crack or chip damages the deep layers of the teeth, it can expose the nerves or lead to bleeding and severe infections.
A chipped tooth might seem like no big deal—a minor inconvenience—but it's not just about how your smile looks. Even if it doesn’t feel urgent, every chipped tooth needs a visit to the dentist.
Addressing a minor chip early can help prevent a dental problem from developing into a significant oral health concern.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Chip Your Tooth
If you’ve chipped a tooth, don't panic. Stay calm and take these steps. Proactive actions at home can help your dentist repair the damage effectively:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
- Apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed
- Save the broken piece of the tooth & keep it clean (use a glass of milk or your own saliva)
- Contact your dentist ASAP to schedule an assessment
These steps can preserve the tooth and prevent further damage to the area. Then, visit your dentist as soon as you can. They can recommend one of several treatments to help restore your smile.
Ways Your Dentist Can Fix a Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth can be repaired in many ways. It all depends on the severity of the damage. Your dentist will need to examine the damaged tooth to determine what treatment to recommend for your unique needs.
Veneers
Veneers can help repair larger or more noticeable chips. These thin, durable shells are placed over the tooth, creating a natural look and durable finish.
Veneer procedures are minimally invasive and offer a simple but effective approach to many cosmetic dental problems.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an easy solution for minor chips. A tooth-coloured resin is applied and moulded into shape to repair the damaged area. The process is quick and minimally invasive, often requiring no anesthesia.
Root Canal
A root canal treatment might be necessary if the chip extends deep into the tooth, exposing the pulp or nerves.
Your dentist will clean out the damaged tissue and cover the tooth with a crown for protection. Then, your dentist can apply a dental crown to restore the function and appearance of the affected tooth.
Get Help for Your Chipped Tooth
However small or large, a chipped tooth should always be professionally evaluated. Leaving it untreated could lead to more serious problems, like sensitivity, infection, or further damage.
Whether your treatment involves reattachment, veneers, bonding, or a root canal, the right care can restore your smile and protect your oral health.
Our team at Dentistes REMA is ready to help you restore your smile, and we know how to help. Book an appointment with our team today!