Chipped Tooth

If you experience a chipped tooth, the first order of business is to self-evaluate to determine how serious the damage is. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you feel any pain?

Depending on the extent of the chip, where the tooth was chipped, and which tooth has been damaged, you might feel some pain or discomfort. However, sometimes the pain of a chipped tooth takes some time to develop and you might not notice it until you brush or floss.

If a chipped tooth hurts at all, call our office as soon as possible. This way, we can take steps to repair the damage before it spreads.

Are you bleeding?

If a chipped tooth results in bleeding, it’s important to seek medical attention. Blood may indicate that the damage done was more excessive than it initially appears. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and if the tooth continues to bleed, visit our office for assistance.

How old are you?

Depending on an individual’s age, different treatment options may be utilized when a tooth becomes chipped. For example, because children are sensitive to pain and discomfort, it’s wise to have them assisted as soon as possible.

Whether you have recently chipped your tooth or you’d just like to know what to do if the situation arises, we’re here to help. The following steps are intended to serve as a temporary solution, but a chipped tooth should ultimately be treated by a dental professional.

Step 1

Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth. It will help remove debris/blood and reduce your odds of developing an infection.

Step 2

Place a clean piece of gauze or cloth in your mouth and apply pressure to the area that’s bleeding to stem the flow and relieve the discomfort you’re experiencing.

Step 3

Dental cement is available at most drugstores and can be used to temporarily cover the damaged tooth. However, this step is a temporary fix and should only be used until you’re able to visit a dentist.

Step 4

Call our office at (480) 607-6937 and schedule an appointment with one of our helpful staff members. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule so that you can receive care as soon as possible

When looking for a dental office to visit, it’s a good idea to choose one with cosmetic experience. Scottsdale Family Smiles is both an emergency dentist and a cosmetic dentist, which means that our team is efficient in treating your pain and restoring your tooth in a way that looks and feels natural.

There are several ways to restore a chipped tooth, including:

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the fastest way to restore a chipped tooth because it can be completed in one visit. This procedure involves applying tooth-colored bonding material to the damaged tooth, then shaping the material and allowing it to harden so that it looks like a natural tooth. This procedure, though quick and convenient, isn’t as long-lasting as other repair methods.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are often a great option for adults. These durable, porcelain shells can be placed over a tooth to restore a chip, cover stains, close gaps, and more. They’re long-lasting and look natural.

If you chip your tooth unexpectedly, remember that Scottsdale Family Smiles is just a call away. Reach out to us at (480) 607-6937 to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.