Getting a chipped tooth can be intimidating. You may be wondering if you should visit the SE Calgary dentist immediately or if you are able to wait. It will depend on how severe the chip is and what your symptoms are. Let’s discuss what you should know about chipped teeth.
What Happens When You Chip a Tooth?
A chipped tooth is when a little part of your tooth breaks off. This may occur if you bite on something hard, you fall down, or get hit on the mouth. The enamel on the outside of your tooth becomes broken. Sometimes the chip is very small, and sometimes it is big enough to notice easily.
Types of Tooth Chips and How Long You Can Wait
Not all chipped teeth are the same. Here’s what dentists see most often
Type of Chip | How Long to Wait | What to Do |
Small chip (no pain) | 1-2 weeks | Schedule regular appointments. |
Medium chip (some sensitivity) | 2-3 days | Call the dentist soon |
Large chip (pain or sharp edges) | Same day | Emergency dental visit |
Chip with exposed nerve | Immediately | Go to the emergency room if the dentist is unavailable |
Minor Chips
Small chips that don’t cause pain can generally wait a week or two. These chips only damage the enamel and don’t penetrate to the deeper areas of your tooth. You may still want to visit a dentist, but it’s not urgent.
Moderate Chips
If your chip is larger and you experience some sensitivity or pain upon eating or drinking, you must visit a dentist within a few days. Such a chip may have extended to the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel.
Severe Chips
Large chips that hurt, are sharp, or expose the tooth’s nerve require prompt attention. Do not wait longer than 24 hours before visiting the dentist. These chips may lead to severe issues if not treated.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long
Waiting too long to treat a chipped tooth can lead to a number of issues or problems such as
- Risk of Infection: Once the protective enamel is cracked, bacteria can enter your tooth. In that case, an infection may result that can spread to the rest of your mouth.
- Further Damage: The little chip may develop into a larger issue. The broken area may trap or become stuck with food and bacteria, causing the tooth to become weaker.
- Pain Increases: What begins as a little annoying sensation may become severe tooth pain that will not let you sleep at night.
- Costly Treatment: Basic chips are a cheap and easy thing to repair. However, if you ignore it, you may have to go through costly treatments such as root canals or tooth extraction.
Signs You Need to See a Dentist Right Away
Call a dental clinic near you in Calgary SE immediately if you have
- Severe pain when you bite
- Persistent sensitivity to cold or hot
- Sharp edges that poke your tongue or cheek
- Tooth bleeding
- Swelling around the affected tooth
- Bad taste in your mouth
What Your Dentist Will Do
When you step into a clinic, the dentist will be keen to inspect the chipped tooth with their own eyes. Usually, they may even use X-Rays to sort out the internal damage that may be invisible. Based on what they see, they will then tell you what you should do.
Restorative dentistry in Calgary SE offers several ways to fix chipped teeth:
- Dental bonding: A tooth-colored material is placed on small chips and fill them up
- Dental crowns: For the larger chips, a cap covers the entire tooth
- Veneers: Thin shells that are attached to the front side of your tooth
- Root canal: If the nerve gets damaged, this would save your tooth.
Taking Care of Your Chipped Tooth While You Wait
If you cannot see a dentist immediately, try this
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Take pain-relieving tablets from over-the-counter without a prescription if necessary.
- Avoid that side of your mouth from chewing.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot or cold food.
- Covering sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
Prevention Tips
Here are ways to save your teeth from being chipped.
- Do not chew ice, hard candy, or pencils.
- Usually, when you are playing sports, wear a mouthguard.
- Your teeth should not be opened using packages.
- Regular checkups from the dentist.
The Bottom Line
Although minor chipped teeth may not be painful initially, they should be evaluated by a professional. A week or two can wait for most minor chips, but larger chips require urgent care. Don’t compromise on oral health by delaying the treatment too long.
Chipped Tooth Causing Discomfort? See Dentist Today!
Sorensen Dental Group provides quality dental care for patients of all age. Our team offers many services, such as preventive, cosmetic, restorative dentistry and more to keep your smile strong as well as healthy. From routine checkups to complex treatments, we offer services in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Call us to arrange your dental appointment with a professional dentist at Sorensen Dental Group!
