Chipped Teeth – Causes, Treatment and Emergency Care Tips

Broken and chipped teeth are common. They can be caused by an impact to the face or mouth, chewing hard foods, or even extensive tooth decay. When you have a chipped tooth, you may or may not have experienced pain at the time of the accident. If the injury reaches your tooth’s inner pulp and nerve tissues, sensitivity to temperature extremes, and pain while chewing may occur. Injuries to the pointed chewing surfaces of your back teeth are known as broken cusps. They are not usually painful, but you may need an onlay or crown to prevent further injury to the chipped tooth.

Caring for a Chipped Tooth Until You Can See the Dentist 



You should first rinse your mouth with warm, salt water. Swelling can be reduced by applying a cold compress. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of clean gauze. Whenever possible, make an appointment with your dentist on the same day. If that’s not possible, cover the chipped area with dental cement to protect the tooth until you can obtain professional treatment from an affordable dentist.

Dental Treatment of a Chipped Tooth

If a chip is small, an affordable dentist may be able to simply smooth and polish the area to restore an acceptable shape and surface texture. If there is extensive damage, the dentist may place a crown or filling to restore normal appearance and function to the chipped tooth, and protect it from infection. Severely chipped teeth may require root canal treatment.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in South Bend, call The Dental Center of Indiana today or make an appointment.