What to Do With a Slightly Chipped Tooth

Dental emergencies happen. From playing recreational sports to slipping and falling outside, you can never fully prepare yourself for even a slightly chipped tooth (although it is another reason you should wear a mouthguard while participating in physical sporting events). So, what happens when you get a chip? And how do you fix a chipped tooth? Some of it depends on the severity of the chip, but with the help of a San Clemente dentist like Shoreline Dental Studio, all of your oral needs will be covered.

Chipped a Tooth?

A chip occurs when a bit of your enamel breaks off. From biting down on a fork to slipping and falling, the chip will likely catch you off guard, and it may hurt a bit, but chances are it isn’t yet an emergency issue. Chipping your tooth doesn’t usually put it in any kind of danger. However, you should still make an appointment to correct it. It’s not just about the aesthetic reasons to fix a chipped front tooth – your dentist also needs to ensure that there isn’t any more serious damage.

Usually, a chipped tooth filling is a simple procedure using a composite material to fill in and repair the damage. Additionally, the dentist can carry out X-rays and other procedures just to ensure there isn’t additional structural damage. Sometimes, you may actually need a root canal treatment if the impact killed off the nerve endings and damaged the integrity of the tooth.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is an entirely different story. A chip is a blemish and often looks worse than it really is. On the other hand, a crack poses a serious threat to your oral health. If not cared for right away, the crack will continue to splinter and eventually cause catastrophic problems, including the possible need for extraction. It’s not as simple as bonding a chipped tooth. In order to save it and prevent anything more severe from taking place, you need to come into the dentist’s office right away. While on your way, avoid putting any kind of pressure on it as it may cause additional fractions within it and other nearby teeth.

Restore Your Smile at Shoreline Dental Studio

From a slightly chipped tooth to complete cracks, it is important to move quickly to address your dental issue. The San Clemente dentist team at Shoreline Dental Studio is here to assist you with chipped teeth and all your emergency and regular dental needs. So stop by the office for any emergency needs, or set up an appointment online for any of our cosmetic dentistry services.