How to Handle a Chipped Tooth Until You Can Get to the Dentist

Understanding the Situation: What Happens When You Chip a Tooth?

It’s something we’ve all heard about, but no one expects to experience: chipping a tooth. As someone who has had my fair share of dental issues, I know how jarring and uncomfortable it can be when you accidentally chip a tooth. Whether it happens during a sports game, while chewing on something hard, or even from an unexpected fall, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. But what do you do when you can’t get to the dentist right away? How do you handle a chipped tooth until you can see a professional?

When I chipped my tooth a few years ago, I was in complete panic mode. It wasn’t a huge chip, but it was enough to make me self-conscious and, naturally, worried about further damage. I quickly realized that while seeing a dentist is essential, there are steps you can take to manage the situation in the interim, keeping both the pain and risk of further damage under control. In this article, I’ll share my experience and offer practical advice for handling a chipped tooth until you can see a dentist.

1. Assess the Damage: How Bad Is the Chip?

The first thing I did after realizing my tooth was chipped was assess how bad the damage was. A small chip on a front tooth can be less concerning than a large chip, but either way, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with so you can take the proper steps. A minor chip may not cause significant pain, but if the chip is deep or affects the inner pulp of the tooth, it may cause sharp pain or sensitivity to temperature changes.

If you’re unsure how bad the chip is, here are some things to look for:

Sharp Edges: If the chip has left a jagged edge, it can cut the inside of your mouth or gum line, which can lead to further irritation or infection.
Pain: If the chipped tooth is causing severe pain, it may have exposed the sensitive nerve inside the tooth, which requires urgent care.
Loose or Missing Pieces: If a large chunk of your tooth has broken off, it’s best to save the piece and bring it to the dentist.

In my case, the chip was small and didn’t cause much pain, but it still felt uncomfortable. It’s important to assess whether the chip is just cosmetic or if it affects the tooth’s functionality. If the pain is sharp or constant, I highly recommend calling a dentist immediately for advice.

2. Protect the Chipped Tooth: Temporary Solutions for Immediate Care

After I assessed the damage, the next step was to prevent further harm. This was important to avoid additional discomfort and avoid further damage to the tooth. Depending on the location and size of the chip, here are a few solutions that can help:

Use Dental Wax or Sugar-Free Gum: To cover any sharp edges of the chipped tooth, I applied a small amount of dental wax, which can be found in most drugstores. This provides a smooth surface, preventing the chip from cutting my tongue or gums.
Avoid Chewing on the Side of the Chip: After I chipped my tooth, I was careful not to chew on that side of my mouth to prevent further damage or aggravation of the chip. Avoiding hard foods is also important to protect the tooth.
Use Saltwater Rinses: A gentle saltwater rinse can help soothe the area and reduce any potential infection. Swishing with warm saltwater helped me ease the discomfort and keep the area clean.
Cold Compress for Pain Relief: If your tooth is causing pain or sensitivity, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the area of the chip can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

By using these methods, I was able to manage the discomfort and avoid making the situation worse until I could see the dentist. It’s crucial not to delay seeking professional care, but these quick fixes can make the wait more bearable.

3. When to See a Dentist: Don’t Wait Too Long

While it’s tempting to ignore a small chip or wait for the pain to subside, it’s always best to see a dentist as soon as possible. When I chipped my tooth, I was able to get an appointment the next day, and I’m so glad I did. Even if the chip is small, leaving it untreated can lead to complications down the road, such as increased sensitivity, infection, or further breakage.

It’s important to seek immediate care if:

The Chip Affects the Nerve: If the chip exposes the pulp or nerve of the tooth, there’s a risk of infection, and a dentist will need to perform a root canal or place a filling.
The Pain is Intense: If you’re experiencing throbbing pain or sensitivity that doesn’t go away, you may need a professional evaluation.
It’s a Large Chip: A large chip may need a crown or bonding to restore the shape of the tooth and protect it from further damage.

For a small, non-painful chip, you may be able to wait for a couple of days, but I’d still recommend making an appointment as soon as possible to prevent any further complications. The quicker you see a dentist, the better the outcome for your tooth.

4. Professional Treatment: What to Expect at the Dentist

When I finally made it to the dentist, I was relieved to know that the chip wasn’t as serious as I had feared. The dentist assessed the damage and decided that a simple bonding procedure would suffice to restore the tooth’s shape and functionality. The process was quick and painless, and the result was a smooth, natural-looking tooth.

Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may offer several treatment options, such as:

Bonding: For small chips, a composite resin is applied to the tooth to restore its shape.
Dental Crowns: If the chip is large or affects the structural integrity of the tooth, a crown may be placed over the tooth to protect it.
Root Canals: If the chip exposes the tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be required to remove the infection and restore the tooth.

No matter the treatment, visiting a dentist is the only way to ensure your tooth is properly cared for and that you avoid any long-term issues.

5. Preventing Future Chips: Tips for Tooth Protection

After dealing with my chipped tooth, I became more conscious of taking steps to protect my teeth from future damage. Here are some tips that have helped me avoid another chipped tooth:

Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, especially contact sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth from impact.
Avoid Hard Foods: Hard candies, ice, and other tough foods can put excessive stress on your teeth and increase the risk of chipping. I try to avoid chewing on hard objects to keep my teeth safe.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting the dentist regularly allows them to catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems, like weakened enamel that could lead to chipping.

By following these simple tips, I’ve been able to keep my teeth in good condition and avoid future dental mishaps.