Whether the result of trauma or an unfortunate chomp during a meal, a chipped tooth can be very unnerving. While not all chips demand immediate attention, knowing when one represents an emergency is crucial for mitigating pain and further damage.
Common Causes and Treatments for Minor Chips
Chipped teeth are typically the result of accidents during contact sports or a poorly-timed bite down on hard objects like olive pits, unpopped popcorn kernels, or ice. For minor chips, where the tooth's structure remains intact, and there is no severe pain, immediate emergency care is usually not required.
In these instances, schedule the next available regular appointment with your dentist so that the chip can be treated through cosmetic bonding, which involves the application of tooth-colored resin to the damaged area to restore function and aesthetic appeal. In the event of more extensive non-emergency chips, dental veneers (thin, custom-made porcelain shells that fit over the fronts of teeth) are an effective, natural-looking solution.
When Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
While most chipped teeth don’t require immediate attention, in certain instances, immediate emergency dental care is required. Scenarios in which a chipped tooth should be considered an emergency include:
- If the chip exposes the inner layers of the tooth, increasing the risks of sensitivity, pain, and risk of infection.
- If a chipped tooth is accompanied by severe bleeding, unbearable pain, or is especially jagged, the extent of damage must be assessed and treated by a dentist immediately
Typically, emergency care for chipped teeth involves pain management, ensuring that the tooth’s nerve is not exposed, and possibly providing temporary crowns to prevent further damage while a comprehensive treatment plan is devised.
Understanding when a chipped tooth requires emergency care is vital to alleviating discomfort in the short term and ensuring that the chip is not allowed to threaten the tooth’s structural integrity or internal nerve endings. If you chip a tooth, even if it doesn’t immediately feel like an emergency, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist sooner rather than later to ensure that the form and function of your smile and bite are quickly and painlessly restored.
Emergency Dentist in Gretna, LA
If you’ve got a chipped tooth, are in the Gretna area, and want to ensure that you receive prompt, high-quality care, contact dentist Dr. Russell Schafer and the team at NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry to schedule an appointment.