What to Do if You’ve Chipped a Tooth 

Chipped teeth are a common dental emergency caused by anything from biting down on hard candy to accidental impact. While the severity may vary, any chipped tooth warrants attention. At Santa Teresa Dental, we proudly offer a range of restorative dentistry solutions to rejuvenate your smile’s health, function, and appearance. You can always count on our patient-centered team for care and service that exceed your expectations. 

So You’ve Chipped a Tooth – What Now? 

If you chip a tooth, remain calm and assess the situation. Is it a small, superficial chip or a significant portion of the tooth? Are you experiencing pain or sensitivity? Are there any sharp edges that can cut your tongue or cheek? 

Meanwhile, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water and apply gentle pressure to the area with a gauze pad to control any bleeding. Try to locate any pieces of the affected tooth, place them in a container of milk, and bring them with you to our office. 

It’s important to contact Santa Teresa Dental for prompt care, even if the chip seems minor. We will provide you with guidance to ensure the best possible outcomes for your smile. Delays in dental care can potentially lead to further damage, infection, or other complications. 

The Santa Teresa Dental Difference

At Santa Teresa Dental, we understand how stressful dental emergencies like chipped teeth can be. We are committed to providing prompt, personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We pride ourselves on using the latest dental technologies for precise diagnostics and effective treatment plans. We are dedicated to providing top-tier care in a warm and relaxing environment where you feel right at home.

What Are Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth? 

The ideal treatment option for a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of damage and your unique needs. Dr. Huang will recommend the most conservative solution possible to restore your smile’s health and function. The following are some of the treatment options for chipped or otherwise damaged teeth: 

Cosmetic Dental Bonding: Cosmetic bonding may be an excellent solution for repairing a chipped tooth. The procedure involves placing an aesthetic composite resin material onto your tooth surfaces. Dr. Huang will skillfully and artistically sculpt it to match your natural tooth structure, leaving you with a seamless smile. 

Porcelain Veneers: If your tooth chip or damage is more severe, Dr. Huang may recommend a porcelain veneer. Veneers are ultra-thin shells we place over the front surface of your teeth, repairing chips and addressing a range of irregularities. Porcelain veneers are closely matched to your natural teeth, delivering seamless smiles. 

Dental Crown: If the tooth has severe damage or its structure is significantly weakened, a dental crown may be a more suitable option to restore your smile. The full-coverage restoration will fortify your tooth structure and restore your healthy, beautiful, and functional smile. 

Tooth Extraction: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extracting it may be our only option. Dr. Huang may recommend replacing the tooth with a custom-created dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore your complete smile and prevent any remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment. 

How Can You Lower the Risk of Chipped Teeth? 

While it’s not possible to eliminate the risk of dental emergencies, the following are some ways you can safeguard your smile: 

• Avoid Hard Foods or Objects: Avoid hard foods or candies as well as non-food items, such as pens or fingernails, which can lead to tooth chips or damage.  
• Use Tools, Not Teeth: Never use your teeth to cut, tear, or open bottles or packaging to avoid damage. 
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you are engaged in sports activities that may put your teeth at risk, wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of chips or damage. 
• Address Teeth Grinding: If you grind and clench your teeth, especially in your sleep, a custom-fitted night guard can help reduce pressure and protect your teeth. 
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Strong and healthy teeth are less likely to chip, which is why it’s important to brush and floss daily and visit Santa Teresa Dental for your routine dental exams and cleanings. 

Emergency Dental Care Near Me in Morgan Hill, CA

If you chip or damage a tooth, our team at Santa Teresa Dental is here to help. We are happy to provide exceptional, personalized services to get your smile back on track. Dr. Huang and his patient-centered team always recommend the most conservative solutions to address your unique needs. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, please call us at 408-782-6568 for prompt care.