How to Fix a Chipped Tooth
Chipping or breaking a tooth can be worrying, but it’s important not to panic. A chipped tooth isn’t always a dental emergency, depending on how severe it is, but it’s still important to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the damage, prevent further injuries and discuss suitable treatment options.
If you need to talk to a dentist urgently, call our Mosman team on (02) 9969 8610 for emergency dental care or advice. For less urgent problems, you can also book online.
What to do if you chip a tooth
The teeth are one of the strongest parts of the body, but they can still be damaged when injured, biting into hard foods, or worn down and weakened. A tooth becomes chipped when part of it breaks off, which can expose the softer layers beneath the enamel or the inner tooth.
If you think you’ve chipped a tooth, you should contact a dentist immediately. They may book you in for an emergency appointment or give you self-care advice to help lower your risks before your visit. Some tips may include:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris, taking care not to swallow
- If it’s painful or swelling, place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean towel against the side of your face
- If the detached part of the tooth is intact, you can try holding it carefully in your mouth or placing it in a container with milk or saliva and taking it to the dentist, in case they are able to reattach it
How can a dentist fix a chipped tooth?
Your dentist will examine your tooth and recommend treatment options based on how severe the damage is. These may include:
- Reattaching the tooth – if a large fragment is still intact, your dentist may be able to restore the tooth, though this isn’t always possible
- Composite bonding – applying composite resin to repair minor damage in a single visit
- Dental crown – covering a damaged tooth with a custom crown or cap to restore its strength and appearance
- Dental veneer – improving the appearance of a chipped tooth by covering it with a porcelain or composite veneer
- Root canal therapy – if damage has exposed the soft centre of the tooth to bacteria, it may need a root canal treatment before being sealed with a crown
How to avoid chipping a tooth
You can’t always avoid accidents, but you can take some steps to protect your teeth and make them less prone to accidental damage, such as:
- Not biting down on very hard foods or non-food objects
- Wearing a custom mouthguard whenever you play contact sports
- Talking to your dentist about bruxism treatments if you grind or clench your teeth
- Following good oral hygiene every day and visiting the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and clean
Need an emergency dentist in Mosman?
If you’ve chipped, cracked or lost a tooth and need to talk to a dentist right away, contact our team at Mosman 3D Dental on (02) 9969 8610. We treat emergency patients as a priority to give you the urgent care you need and help you on the road to recovery.