It happens in a split second. You bite down on something hard. You take a fall. Or you wake up one morning and notice a rough edge on a tooth that wasn’t there before. However it happens, a chipped or fractured tooth can be scary. And it’s one of the most common dental emergencies we see at Sweet Tooth Dentistry.
Most chipped and fractured teeth can be repaired. But what you do in those first few hours matters. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Difference?
A chip is a small break on a tooth’s outer edge. It usually doesn’t hurt much and often involves only the enamel. You might feel a rough spot with your tongue or notice a jagged edge in the mirror.
A fracture is a deeper break that can extend into the tooth’s inner layers. Fractures are more serious. They can expose the sensitive dentin underneath, or even the nerve inside. That’s when you start feeling pain, especially when you bite down or drink something hot or cold.
Sometimes a fractured tooth doesn’t hurt at all at first. That’s why we always recommend calling us, even if the tooth feels fine. A small fracture can get worse over time, and catching it early usually means a simpler, less expensive fix.
What to Do Right Away
If you’ve chipped or fractured a tooth, don’t panic. Take a few simple steps before you get to our office.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water: This cleans the area and helps you see what’s going on.
- If there’s bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling and numb the area.
- Save any tooth fragments if you can: Sometimes we can bond them back into place.
- If the edge feels sharp against your tongue or cheek: cover it with a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax until you can come in to see us.
Dr. Welinsky, a Baltimore native who grew up right here, always tells patients a chipped tooth isn’t a reason to panic. It’s a reason to call. The sooner we see it, the more options we have.
How We Repair Chipped and Fractured Teeth
The right treatment depends on how much of the tooth is damaged.
For a small chip that affects only the enamel, we can often smooth the edge or use a tooth-colored filling to restore its shape. It’s quick, comfortable, and you’ll walk out looking like nothing ever happened.
For a larger chip or a deeper fracture, we might recommend a dental crown. A crown covers the entire tooth and holds it together, protecting it from further damage. It takes a couple of visits, but the result is a strong, natural-looking tooth that can last for many years.
If the fracture reaches the nerve, you may need a root canal before we place the crown. We know that sounds intimidating, but modern root canals are far more comfortable than most people expect. Dr. Shires, voted a “Top Dentist” by Baltimore Magazine multiple years in a row, has performed countless root canals and always takes the time to make sure patients feel relaxed and comfortable.
Don’t Wait It Out
We understand why people put off dental care. Life gets busy. Budgets get tight. And a chipped tooth that doesn’t hurt can feel easy to ignore.
But a fracture that seems minor today can spread tomorrow. It can reach the nerve, cause an infection, or even split the tooth in a way we can’t save. Waiting rarely makes things easier. It usually makes them more complicated and more expensive.
We’re Here When You Need Us
If you’ve chipped or fractured a tooth, call us at 410-449-7656 or request an appointment online. We’ll get you in as soon as possible, take a look, and talk through your options. We serve West Towson, Parkville, and the whole local community.
Accidents happen. But you don’t have to live with the result. Let us help you get your smile back.