What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth? Santa Maria, CA
Chipped teeth can happen due to many reasons. It can happen after trauma to the face or something as simple as crunching on a piece of ice. It is natural for this to send someone into a panic. Fortunately, there are many ways to repair a chipped tooth.
Chipped teeth treatment is available at Wilson Oral Surgery in Santa Maria and the surrounding area. If left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to severe complications. Call us today at (805) 910-1213 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Keep Calm
Chipped teeth are one of the most common types of dental injuries. Though it is only natural for patients to start panicking once they realize they have chipped a tooth, it is essential to stay calm to maximize the chances of saving the tooth. Otherwise, matters may only get worse. Take a deep breath to keep a cool head and, if possible, try to save the broken tooth.
Rinsing the mouth with warm water can help remove any food particles stuck in the jagged edges of a cracked tooth. A gentle mouthwash can also help keep things clean, especially when the pulp is exposed. People should seek an oral surgeon’s care immediately. In the meantime, they should address any pain with over-the-counter painkillers. Our oral surgeon can help treat the damaged tooth, saving it if possible.
“Chipped teeth are one of the most common types of dental injuries.”
Immediate Steps
A chipped tooth may lead to severe complications, such as an infection, abscess, or nerve damage, if left untreated. Therefore, scheduling an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible is crucial. In the meantime, rinse the mouth with warm water before applying pressure with a piece of gauze to help prevent any bleeding in the mouth.
Considering it is not always possible for a person to see the oral surgeon on the same day they chip their tooth, they should take care to cover the chipped tooth. This can include dental cement, dental wax, temporary dental filling material, a tea bag, or sugar-free gum to protect the tongue and gums. After treatment, patients should remain vigilant in their oral hygiene routine and use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
“If left untreated, a chipped tooth may lead to severe complications, such as an infection, abscess, or nerve damage.”
Chipped Teeth in Children
Chipped teeth are common in patients of all ages, but they are especially prevalent in children. There are also different concerns regarding chipped teeth in children than in adults. Treatment depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the injury.
The primary concern for treating chipped teeth in children is preventing damage to the underlying permanent tooth. Contrary to popular belief, baby teeth require just as much care as permanent teeth. This is because they effectively act as placeholders for the incoming teeth. As a result, a child’s tooth is not fully developed and requires immediate attention after injury. Along with professional treatment, our oral surgeon can recommend methods and techniques to help children maintain their oral health.
“Chipped teeth are common in patients of all ages, but they are especially prevalent with children.”
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Treating a Chipped Tooth
Treatment for a chipped tooth depends on the location, type of crack, and extent of the injury. Patients who are able to preserve the part of the tooth that has broken off may be eligible for tooth reattachment. Other patients with just minor chips may be able to be treated with a dental filling or bonding.
A dental cap or crown can treat a tooth with a larger chip or larger areas of decay. Dental veneers can restore the appearance of a broken or chipped tooth, while a root canal treatment may be necessary for chips or breaks large enough to expose the tooth’s pulp. Finally, a chipped tooth that is beyond repair will require tooth extraction and replacement. Our oral surgeon will determine the most effective treatment with the patient during the appointment. After treatment, patients should brush with toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and maintain their oral hygiene.
“Treatment for a chipped tooth is dependent on the location, type of crack, and extent of the injury.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How common are chipped teeth?
Q. What should I do immediately after chipping my tooth?
Q. What is the difference between chipped teeth in children and adults?
Q. What are the different types of treatments for a chipped tooth?
Q. How should I take care of my treated chipped tooth?
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Maintenance for a Treated Chipped Tooth
Once patients have their chipped teeth treated, it is essential for them to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. They should be brushing twice daily and flossing once nightly. Our oral surgeon may also provide patients with post-treatment care instructions, depending on the procedure. Prevention is also key when it comes to maintenance care.
Patients should avoid biting down on the treated tooth and especially refrain from chewing on anything too hard. To maintain good overall health, patients should visit the dentist at least twice yearly. Some patients may require more frequent checkups, depending on their needs. Wilson Oral Surgery can give a better idea of what to expect during a one-on-one consultation.
“Once patients have their chipped tooth treated, it is essential for them to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Teeth
Q. What are the main causes of chipping a tooth?
A. The most common cause of chipped teeth is biting down on hard substances, especially in children with weak teeth. Other common causes are falls and car accidents, playing sports without a mouthguard, or grinding while sleeping.
Q. Is it common to chip a tooth?
A. Although enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, the teeth are the most subjected to wear and tear. Also, the teeth are the most visible part of the face, resulting in direct impact in many injuries. Therefore, it is crucial for a chipped tooth to receive immediate treatment and prevent further complications.
Q. How can a chipped tooth be treated?
A. If the chipped tooth only removed a small amount of outer enamel, an oral surgeon would be able to treat it with a normal filling. However, if the patient saved the chipped portion of the tooth, it is sometimes possible to re-attach it to the tooth. If it is not saved, dental bonding is the most likely treatment.
Q. What will happen to an untreated chipped tooth?
A. Even when a chipped tooth does not hurt, it should never be left untreated. An untreated chip allows harmful bacteria to enter through the tooth, causing a plethora of other complications. In addition, it may compromise the entire tooth over time or lead to bad infections in the gums and bones.
Q. How can I prevent my children’s teeth from chipping?
A. Chipped teeth can happen to anyone, but it is most common in children. We highly recommend that children have a mouthguard, especially those who play sports or are highly active. Dental sealants are also a good idea to protect young children’s teeth as they develop from the risk of injury or wear and tear.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
A chipped tooth almost always requires medical attention. We at Wilson Oral Surgery can help. Call us today at (805) 910-1213 to schedule an appointment with our oral surgeon or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2023
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2023
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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