Chipped Tooth
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? In most cases, a chipped tooth does not require immediate attention but instead can be treated at the next available appointment. However, even if the chip is small or not bothering you, it should still be treated in a timely fashion. Remember, enamel cannot heal itself, so the longer a chipped tooth goes without repair, the higher the risk is of sustaining further damage that requires more complex treatment.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Gently rinse your mouth with water. Try to find as many pieces of the tooth that you can and put them in a safe container to bring with you to your appointment. If needed, a cold compress can help manage any pain or swelling. Should the remaining tooth have a jagged edge or feel sensitive, it can be covered with some sugarless gum or dental wax.
How we treat chipped teeth: Fortunately, chipped teeth can often be quickly and easily repaired. The most common way to do so is with cosmetic dental bonding, wherein a tooth-colored composite resin will be molded and polished over the damaged area until it looks good as new. If you’ve chipped one of your front teeth and are highly concerned about aesthetics, you may want to consider getting one or more veneers for optimal results.