Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

 If you’ve chipped a tooth recently, the key is to stay calm — there’s no need to panic. Although this common dental issue can raise many concerns, there are various ways to deal with it and find relief without sounding alarm bells. 

At R&J Dental, located in San Antonio, Texas, Habib Rahemtulla, DDS and our team of experts are here to not only determine the severity of your chipped tooth but also provide treatment solutions so you can leave our office with your smile restored.

In the meantime, if you’re unsure whether your chipped tooth qualifies as a dental emergency, we’re here to provide clarity and offer the guidance you need. 

Assessing the severity of a chipped tooth 

A chipped tooth can look a little different for everyone. It can range from being a minor cosmetic concern to a more severe issue that can impact your tooth’s structure. If you’re wondering if your chipped tooth might be a dental emergency, here are the main signs to look out for: 

Pain and sensitivity

One of the key signs that your chipped tooth might be a dental emergency is if you’re noticing sharp pain and heightened sensitivity from your exposed nerve. This could be a sign that your enamel, the protective layer of your tooth, has been compromised. 

Bleeding 

If your chipped tooth is accompanied by bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. This signifies more than just a surface-level concern. 

Large or jagged chip 

Be especially mindful of the size of the chip. A substantial or jagged chip indicates significant structural damage that can extend way past your enamel and affect the deeper layers of your tooth. In this case, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team as soon as possible. 

What to do when your tooth chips 

Chipping a tooth can be alarming, but there are steps you can take to make the process less daunting. Here’s what we recommend: 

Rinse your mouth 

First things first, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the chipped area. 

Save the chipped fragment 

Next, if you’re able to, try to retrieve and save your chipped tooth as there’s always the potential that it can be reattached. The success of reattaching your tooth depends on a few key factors like the size of the chip, the location, and how well it’s been preserved.

Control bleeding 

If it’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the chipped tooth with clean gauze until you can see Dr. Rahemtulla.

Pain relief 

To control the pain while you wait for a permanent solution, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and apply topical numbing gels to alleviate discomfort. 

Long-term solutions for a chipped tooth

When in doubt, contacting Dr. Rahemtulla is the best course of action for a chipped tooth. Once you’ve contacted our team, we’ll assess your chipped tooth to determine the solution that’s best for your specific case. Here are a few options you can expect: 

Dental bonding 

For more minor chips, dental bonding can help restore your tooth’s appearance. Bonding works by applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, carefully shaping it to match the natural contours of your tooth, and curing it with a special light. If you want your smile restored, this technique works wonders. 

Veneers or crowns   

Larger chips may require more elaborate solutions like veneers or crowns. These treatment options are pivotal for both structural reinforcement and cosmetic enhancement. Additionally, both of these options are tailored to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so you get that seamless integration to restore your smile.

Root canal

In some more severe cases where the chip exposes your tooth’s nerve, this can lead to some major complications. A root canal can help with this by removing the damaged or infected nerve, cleaning the interior of your tooth, and sealing it to prevent further issues. Although this sounds intimidating, it’s a standard procedure and aims to preserve your tooth. 

Although a chipped tooth can seem intimidating at first, we hope this blog helps you find some comfort. As long as you take immediate self-care steps and address your concerns with Dr. Rahemtulla, you’ll be well on your way to getting relief and getting your smile back. 

If you’re ready to learn more and explore options, call us at 210-828-9644 or click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rahemtulla today!