Does a Chipped Tooth Count as a Dental Emergency?

Chipped Tooth Coral Gables, FL

Enduring a chipped tooth can be a stressful situation, but you can minimize the anxiety and stress it causes by understanding how to properly handle the situation. While a minor chip may not require immediate attention, it is important to seek dental emergency treatment for a more severely chipped tooth.

Treating a chipped tooth: is it a dental emergency?

A severely chipped tooth is considered a dental emergency. Without prompt dental care, the damage to the tooth may grow worse and lead to additional complications, such as the loss of the tooth and an oral infection. This review discusses when a chipped tooth is a dental emergency and how to handle the situation.

A chipped tooth can be a dental emergency depending on the severity

It is important to promptly assess the severity of a chipped tooth to determine if it is a dental emergency or if the concern can be managed at home until a more convenient time for a dental visit. The signs that indicate a chipped tooth is a dental emergency include:

  • A large chip
  • Severe tooth sensitivity
  • Gum swelling
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Be sure to visit a dentist that can treat dental emergencies if one or more of the aforementioned signs develop after a tooth is chipped. Otherwise, the long-term health of the tooth may be in jeopardy.

The earlier treatment can be administered the better

A tooth that is severely chipped is likely to get worse without prompt care from a licensed dentist. There are various concerns that could develop due to a chipped tooth, including but not limited to:

  • The chip could get worse
  • Increased sensitivity and pain
  • An oral infection could develop
  • The tooth could fall out of the socket

While not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency, they all require care within a reasonable amount of time, even if there are no serious symptoms initially.

Types of chipped tooth treatment

A dentist can treat a chipped tooth in various ways. The most common methods used for a chipped tooth are dental crowns and dental bonding. These options are minimally invasive, and they look natural and provide adequate protection for the tooth. For severe cases, a chipped tooth may lead to the need for root canal therapy followed by the placement of a crown, or the tooth may need extraction followed by tooth replacement.

How to prevent a chipped tooth from occurring

Preventing a chipped tooth is not always possible, but there are precautions that can be taken to minimize risk. Most notably, it is important to wear a mouth guard during dangerous activities, such as playing a sport. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid biting down on hard foods or materials.

Our dentist office offers dental emergency treatment

Our general dentistry team can treat a range of dental emergencies, including but not limited to damaged teeth, oral infections, gum swelling, and more. If you experience oral discomfort or have sudden dental trauma, contact us today to receive prompt care from a licensed dentist.

Are you considering chipped tooth treatment in the Coral Gables area? Get more information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Chipped Tooth in Coral Gables, FL.

Recent Posts

Restorative Options For A Front Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a common dental issue that fills most people with dread, especially when the crack is near the front of the mouth. Front teeth fractures are quite common among children, teenagers, and young adults. Fortunately, a dentist can recommend various repair or replacement options for damaged front teeth to help patients resume…

How A Dentist Can Treat A Chipped Tooth

Treating a chipped tooth is important, even if the damage is small. A general dentist can treat this type of dental issue. The solution to the chipping will depend on the degree of damage. Here are the details on how a dentist can repair a chipped tooth.The dentist can offer this minimally invasive and inexpensive…

Common Treatments For A Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth usually occurs because of some sort of trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the mouth. It can also occur because of biting down on a substance that is too hard. If your tooth is decayed, a chip is more likely, but it can also happen to perfectly healthy teeth.Unless…

Dental Accidents Happen To The Best Of Us

If you act fast enough, we may be able to restore the chipped tooth. If not, we still have options. Call us for details!No matter the extent of the chip, it is crucial to call us right away in the event of a chipped tooth. By acting fast, we can help to either restore the…

Recent Posts

How Dental Bonding Is An Effective Option For Your Teeth

How Dental Bonding Is An Effective Option For Your Teeth

Dental bonding is a perfect idea to try if you require minor smile enhancements. Dental bonding is a fast, simple, and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your teeth while still protecting them from more damage if they have a chip or crack. This article talks about what makes dental bonding a great choice…

Dental Emergencies: What To Do For Broken Teeth

Dental Emergencies: What To Do For Broken Teeth

Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…