A chipped tooth can occur suddenly, either by biting hard on something, a fall, or a sports injury. It seems like nothing serious at first, but what usually happens is that most individuals find themselves asking: Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? It depends on the level of chip, the level of pain, and whether it is a contributing factor to your overall oral health.
In this full guide, we will inform you when a chipped tooth needs urgent treatment, what to do if you chip a tooth, and the best treatments. If you are in need of treatment for your teeth whitening in Adelaide, understanding when to get urgent care can avoid further issues and keep your smile strong and healthy.
Dr. Thadsha is an extremely seasoned dental professional at Walsh Dental that specializes in restorative and emergency dentistry, thereby enabling patients to recover immediately and be as healthy as they can in their mouth.
When is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
Not all chipped teeth are dental emergencies, but some of them are imperative to address immediately. Below are some of the most important things to consider:
1. Why the Chip is Serious
- Little Chips: If the chip is small and does not hurt and does not expose the internal layers of the tooth, then it is not urgent. You must nevertheless attempt to book an appointment with a dentist in Adelaide as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage.
- Moderate Chips: If additional part of your tooth chipped off or is rough to the tongue and cheek, or if it hurts them, then you may require immediate dental care.
- Severe Chips or Fractures: If the chip is so bad that it goes to the inner layers of your tooth (the dentin or pulp), get to a dentist as quickly as possible to prevent infection or further damage to the chip.
2. Pain and Sensitivity
- If you experience sharp pain, it could be an indication that the chip has bared the tooth’s nerves and you should consult a dentist immediately.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks is another indication that the inner layers of the tooth have been damaged, and you should consult a dentist immediately.
3. Bleeding or Swelling
- If your chipped tooth is also swelling or bleeding, it can be more extensive root or gum damage. Getting emergency dental service in such an instance is recommended.
4. The Chip Location
- Your chipped front tooth is not itself an emergency, but sharp or pushy enough to disrupt eating, speaking, or smiling comfortably, you ought to visit dental care in Adelaide immediately.
- A chipped back tooth or molar might be subtle, but if it’s compromising your ability to chew or causing pain, get in soon.
5. Risk of Infection
- If a chipped tooth does open up the pulp or nerve within, bacteria can migrate in and cause infection or the formation of an abscess. A tooth infection can become systemic and cause severe health issues, so don’t put off seeking care.
What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
When you chip a tooth, doing the right thing can help avoid damage and complications. Here’s what to do:
1. Check the Damage
- Mirror check to determine the severity of the chip.
- Check for pain, sensitivity, or bleeding.
- Check whether there are rough edges that irritate your tongue or gums.
2. Clean Your Mouth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and flush out any debris.
- In the event of bleeding, clean with salt water gently to prevent infection.
3. Use a Cold Compress
- In the event of swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the injured area to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Cover the Tooth
- If the chip has resulted in a sharp edge, you can cover it with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to prevent cuts in your mouth.
- Don’t chew on the painful side to further injure your tooth.
5. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- If you are in pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain until you visit a dentist in Adelaide.
6. Keep Any Broken Pieces
- If a large part of your tooth has chipped off, place it in a cup with milk or saline solution and bring it to your dentist. In certain situations, a chipped piece can be reattached.
7. Make an Appointment with Your Dentist
- Whether your chipped tooth hurts or not, visiting a dentist is necessary to avoid future complications.
Treatment for a Chipped Tooth
Depending on the severity of the damage to the tooth, a dentist can recommend one of the following treatments:
1. Dental Bonding
- Best for minor chips
- A tooth-colored resin is applied and shaped to restore the original appearance of the tooth
- Painless and quick procedure
2. Dental Veneers
- Best for front tooth chips that impact your smile
- A thin shell is bonded over the front of the tooth for a natural look
- Stain-resistant and durable
3. Dental Crowns
- Applied on larger chips or breaks
- A specially crafted cap covers the entire tooth to provide it with strength and protection
- Permanent solution for severely damaged teeth
4. Root Canal Treatment
- Needed if the chip extends to the pulp or nerve inside the tooth
- Saves the tooth from destruction and prevents infection
- Done under local anesthesia for convenience
5. Extraction of a Tooth (Last Resort)
- Done only if the tooth cannot be repaired
- The extracted tooth can be served aesthetically and functionally by a dental implant or bridge
How to Avoid Chip of the Teeth
To prevent chipping your teeth, you should adopt the following preventive measures:
1. Don’t Bite Hard Objects
- Avoid biting ice, pens, and hard candy that compromises the strength of your teeth
2. Use a Mouth Guard
- If you participate in contact sports, then a mouthguard with a mold of your teeth will protect your teeth from damage.
3. Treat Teeth Grinding
- Night grinding teeth can soften the enamel. Use a nightguard to avoid this.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Strong, healthy teeth are not as likely to chip. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Check-ups
- A regular dental visit at Walsh Dental can detect flaws in your teeth and avoid a fracture from forming.
When to Visit a Dentist for a Chipped Tooth
If you notice any of the following, see an Adelaide dentist right away:
- Sudden sensitivity or pain
- Recurring bleeding
- Deep crack that is exposing inner layers of the tooth
- Symptoms of swelling or infection
For non-emergency chips, book an appointment as soon as possible with a trusted dental clinic in Adeliade like Walsh Dental to repair your tooth and prevent further issues.
Final Thoughts
A cracked tooth is not always a dental emergency, but if it hurts, compromises the inner tooth layers, or disrupts your eating and speaking comfort, you must visit an Adelaide dentist urgently. It may be prevented, safeguard your oral health, and reinstate your smile by doing so early enough.
No matter how tiny or large your chipped tooth is, there are treatments you can undergo under the expert care of Dr. Thadsha and the Walsh Dental team. Don’t let the chip become a bothersome problem—book an appointment with us today!