Kids of all ages are at risk for a chipped tooth. After all, they are very active and aren’t always thinking about the consequences of their actions, such as running in socks on tile floor. So when a chipped tooth happens, it usually occurs out of the blue.
As a parent, what do you do?
React Calmly
First things first— take a deep breath.
Because most children have not had a chipped tooth, they are going to look to you to see how to respond.
If you panic, your child will panic, too. This is why it is so important that you react calmly. It will keep your child calm so that you can figure out what your next step should be. Is your child in pain? How large is the chip? Did your child even realize that it happened?
A chipped tooth isn’t always a dental emergency, but your child’s dentist should be called when it happens. They will be able to discuss the situation with you and determine whether an emergency visit is justified or if waiting for the next appointment will be ok.
Caring For a Chipped Tooth At Home
Whether you are waiting to see the dentist or hear back from them, there are a few things you can do at home.
- Examine the tooth and look for any fragments of the tooth. Rinsing can often help.
- If you are able to save any tooth fragments, especially if they are large, bring them with you to the dentist.
- If any bleeding is present, apply pressure to the area with a moist towel or gauze.
- Ice or otherwise cold compress on the area outside the mouth can help to reduce the chance of swelling, if necessary.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if your child is complaining of any pain. Be sure to follow the label for proper dosing.
Keep in mind that a chipped tooth impacts every child differently. They may have all of these things — or they may not experience any at all. Either way, now you will know what to do should the moment arise.
Treatment for a Chipped Tooth
Treatment for a chipped tooth will depend greatly on the severity of the damage. The dentist will examine the tooth and may take x-rays to assess the area of concern and make a plan for the next steps.
The treatment used for chipped teeth will depend on whether or not the root has been exposed. It may often include one of the following:
- Composite fillings
- Inlays and onlays
- Dental crowns
- Root canal treatments
Minor chips can benefit from certain cosmetic dental procedures as well, such as dental veneers and cosmetic bonding. These will restore the appearance of the tooth when the chip didn’t do any other damage.
Chipped Teeth Treatment in Chagrin Falls
At Chagrin Falls Dental, we understand that saving natural teeth is so important. So, if your child has a chipped tooth — you can feel confident that we will utilize all of our resources and skills to restore the tooth’s strength, functionality, and appearance.
To learn more, contact us today at 440-247-8641 . Or, request an appointment online.