Accidents happen, and, unfortunately, sometimes they happen to your teeth. Whether you bit into something too hard or took an unexpected tumble, chipping a tooth is never fun. But don’t worry—with the right steps, you can handle the situation like a pro and get back to smiling in no time.
The team at Kits Family Dental is sharing everything you need to know about dealing with a chipped tooth and the options for repairing it.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Not all chipped teeth require urgent care, but some do. Here’s how to tell:
- Minor Chips: If the chip is small and not causing pain, it’s likely a cosmetic issue. You should still call your dentist, but it’s not an emergency.
- Severe Chips: If the chip exposes the tooth’s inner layers, causes severe pain, or leads to bleeding and swelling, it’s a dental emergency. Immediate attention can prevent infection and further damage.
If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and contact Kits Family Dental for guidance. One of our experienced dentists will let you know what to do next.
Is a Chipped Baby Tooth an Emergency?
If your child is in severe pain from any type of dental injury, chips included, they should see a dentist ASAP. The same holds true for large chips that expose the inside of the tooth. This increases the risk of infection, which can impact the underlying permanent tooth.
Otherwise, you can probably wait until their next dental appointment, but it’s always a good idea to let your child’s dentist know about the situation.
What to Do With a Chipped Tooth
The moment you realize your tooth is chipped, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and discomfort. Here’s what to do:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injury and get rid of any debris.
- Save the Fragment: If you find the piece of your tooth, store it in milk or hold it in your mouth next to your cheek to keep it moist. Bring the fragment with you to your dentist because they might be able to reattach it.
- Protect the Area: Cover the jagged edge with orthodontic wax, sugar-free gum, or temporary bonding material (available at drugstores) to prevent irritation and cuts to your gums, tongue, or lips.
- Manage Discomfort: If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try holding the compress on your cheek in the area of the chipped tooth for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
- Call Your Dentist: For a small chip that’s not hurting, call your dentist and schedule an appointment to have it evaluated at your convenience. If you’re in a lot of pain or it’s a severe chip, seek emergency dental care.
How Do I Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Your dentist will assess the damage and recommend the best solution. Here are the most common treatments for chipped teeth:
- Cosmetic Bonding – A Quick Fix for Minor Chips
- Quick and usually completed in one visit
- No natural enamel needs to be removed
- Doesn’t usually require local anesthesia – no needles!
- The most affordable option for chipped tooth repair
The Dental Bonding Process
The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the chipped area, building it up to replace the lost structure. They then carefully shape and polish the resin, so it seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile. - Porcelain Veneers – A Complete Tooth Makeover
- Ideal for front teeth with more noticeable damage
- Covers the front and sides of the tooth, completely masking the chip and any other imperfections
- Stain-resistant and highly durable
- Custom-made for a natural look
- A small amount of natural enamel does need to be removed
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Your dentist takes precise digital impressions to design thin, custom-made porcelain shells that fit over the front surface of your teeth. You wear temporary veneers while your permanent restorations are fabricated at the lab. Once ready, the veneers are bonded securely, restoring both the shape and appearance of your teeth. - Dental Crowns – Full Coverage for Major Damage
- Perfect for teeth with large chips or structural issues
- Fully covers the damaged tooth to the gum line
- Options include highly aesthetic porcelain crowns, as well as more economical stainless steel crowns
- A durable, long-term solution
- Natural enamel needs to be removed
The Dental Crown Process
Your dentist reshapes the affected tooth to make room for the restoration. They take digital impressions and then cover the prepared tooth with a temporary crown. When your permanent restoration is ready, the dentist takes the temporary off and cements your crown in place, restoring your tooth’s appearance, strength, and function. - Root Canal and Crown – Relief for Serious Chips
- Needed when a chip exposes the tooth’s nerve or pulp
- Treats and prevents infection
- Eliminates pain immediately
- Saves the tooth from having to be extracted
- A crown protects the root-canaled tooth
The Root Canal and Crown Process
During the root canal procedure, the dentist uses specialized instruments to remove the damaged tissue. They clean and disinfect the root canals and pulp chamber, fill the spaces with biocompatible material, and seal the opening.They take digital impressions to design a custom dental crown. After the lab creates the restoration, the dentist shapes the tooth and cements the permanent crown in place. This protects and strengthens the tooth for years to come.
Can a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own?
Unfortunately, no. Unlike bones, teeth don’t regenerate. That’s why it’s crucial to see a dentist for treatment if you sustain a large or painful chip. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage, sensitivity, and even infection.
What Is the Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
The cost to fix a chipped tooth depends on the treatment, the severity of the chip, the materials used, and your location.
At Kits Family Dental, we aim to make chipped tooth repair affordable. We accept most dental insurance plans, and we’ll work with you to decide on the right treatment for your needs and budget.
How Do I Find an Emergency Dentist Near Me?
Looking for an emergency dentist in Kitsilano? Give us a call! Our experienced team is here for your family’s urgent and emergent dental needs.
Not in the Vancouver area? Contact your general dentist to see if they can get you in for an emergency appointment. If they can’t, they’ll be able to recommend someone who can.
Why Choose Kits Family Dental for Emergency Care?
At Kits Family Dental, we’ve been helping Kitsilano families maintain outstanding oral health for over 20 years. Our friendly, modern practice specializes in general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for all ages, including kids!
Whether you need fast relief or a long-term solution, our team has you covered. We’ll get you out of pain as quickly as possible and restore your tooth to its former glory and function.
Connect with an emergency dentist in Kitsilano today! Call us at (604) 738-1816 or request an emergency appointment online.
