A chipped or broken tooth can be a serious situation. Depending on the size and your level of discomfort, you may need urgent treatment. But it's the weekend and your dentist’s office is closed. What should you do?
First, try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and proceed with the best course of action. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving the natural tooth and losing it. The following article outlines the steps to take if you chip or break a tooth outside of your dentist’s office hours.
Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Teeth
Chipped or broken teeth may occur due to variety of causes, such as:
- Biting or chewing hard foods
- Sports injuries
- Accidents/falls
- Weakened enamel
- Tooth decay
- Old restorations (worn out fillings or crowns)
First Steps to Take After a Dental Emergency
- If there is any bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply gauze to the area with gentle pressure.
- Call your dentist. Follow the after hours voicemail instructions to leave a message. Someone should call you back shortly with further instructions.
- Locate any pieces of the tooth that you can find and place them in milk. Bring them with you to your dentist’s office.
Managing Pain and Protecting the Tooth Until Monday
Small chips may not need immediate treatment. Call your dentist regardless to determine the urgency of the situation. If it can wait until Monday, the following tips can help:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
- Using dental wax or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges.
- Rinse your mouth a few times a day with lukewarm salt water. Avoid the area when brushing and flossing.
Treatment Options for Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or fractured tooth can be treated in a variety of ways. The best option for you will depend on a few factors such as the size of the chip or fracture and the condition of the remaining tooth. Treatment options include:
- Composite bonding. Tooth-colored material can be used to reshape the tooth and fill in the broken portion. This option typically works best for small chips.
- Crown. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth. This option may be used for a tooth that has a larger fracture that can’t be repaired with composite bonding.
- Veneers. In some cases veneers can be used to repair chipped or fractured teeth. Veneers are flat tooth-shaped shells that cover the front side of a tooth, most often used for the front row of teeth.
- Bridge, dentures, or dental implants. If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, it can be replaced using a bridge or dental implant. Multiple teeth can be replaced with dentures.
Preventing Chips and Fractures
Not all dental emergencies can be prevented, but the chances of occurrence can be reduced with the following practices:
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth to prevent weakening of the enamel.
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Go to the dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups.
Contact R. Renan Williams, DDS
If you chip or break a tooth, stay calm and call us right away at 817-281-4801, even if the office is closed. Leave a message and someone will call you right back to determine the best course of action. The sooner you seek treatment in a dental emergency, the better the outcome and the greater the likelihood that your natural tooth can be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care
Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?
Unfortunately a chipped tooth will not heal on its own. The portion of the tooth that has broken off will not grow back, and leaving it unprotected can leave the tooth susceptible to decay or infection. Seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
What should I do if my tooth pain worsens overnight?
If the pain becomes unbearable, don’t wait. Call us at 817-281-4801 and we will make the necessary arrangements to provide relief.
R. Renan Williams, DDS provides emergency treatment during and after regular office hours. During office hours we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. After hours we will see you according to the urgency of the situation. Our team provides reassurance and compassionate care to help you feel at ease. Call 817-281-4801 for all dental emergencies. For non-emergencies, contact us to schedule a regular appointment.