What to Do When You Chip a Tooth

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Angell's Dentistry

You’re munching away on something and suddenly you feel a piece of something hard that shouldn’t be there. Well, you’re not alone. Chipped teeth are the most common dental injury today.

Even though the enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body, it can break as the result of falling, receiving a blow to the face, or biting down on something hard.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, call our office right away for an appointment. A small chip may not cause you pain, but there could be damage underneath the surface of the tooth. If the tooth is painful, take acetaminophen or another over-the-counter pain reliever and rinse your mouth with salt water.

When you come in, Dr. Angell will rule out cracks or internal tooth problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If only a small piece of enamel broke off, the repair can usually be done simply in one office visit. A badly damaged or broken tooth may require a more lengthy procedure.

Here are some of the options for repairing a broken or chipped tooth:

  • Dental bonding is an efficient, durable and cost-effective way to correct minor chips.
  • Enamel shaping, often used in conjunction with dental bonding, can also correct small chips or surface flaws.
  • Dental veneers repair more extensive damage with a thin porcelain layer that completely covers the tooth’s surface.
  • A root canal may be needed in some cases to save the tooth.
  • A dental crown is used to completely cover larger teeth or to cap a tooth after a root canal.
  • If the tooth can’t be saved, a tooth extraction may be necessary. The good news is a dental bridge or dental implants can replace missing teeth.

If you are looking for a dentist in the Troy and Birmingham area who utilizes the latest dental techniques and technology, be sure to check out Dr. Douglas Angell. Angell’s Dentistry is committed to providing each of our patients with a beautiful, healthy smile and unmatched dental care. Give our office a call at (248) 362-4330 and be sure to visit our website at: http://www.angellsdentistry.com.

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