What to Do When You Chip a Tooth

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it, biting into something hard, an accidental fall, or even grinding your teeth at night. While it may seem like a minor issue, a chipped tooth can lead to serious problems if left untreated. If you’re in League City and need fast, compassionate dental care, Touchstone Dentistry is here to help.

Dr. Agee Kunjumon offers immediate relief and long-term solutions for chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, restoring your smile and comfort quickly.

Step 1: Assess the Damage and Stay Calm

First, don’t panic. Chipping a tooth is more common than you might think, and in many cases, it’s easily fixable. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and check the extent of the damage.

If you’re bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. If there’s swelling or discomfort, use a cold compress on your cheek and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

Save any broken pieces if possible; they may help in your treatment plan.

Step 2: Call Touchstone Dentistry Right Away

Even a small chip can lead to sensitivity, decay, or further breakage if left untreated. Contact Touchstone Dentistry immediately at (281) 940-1300. Our team offers compassionate, urgent care for dental injuries and will schedule your visit as soon as possible, often the same day.

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or a sharp edge that’s irritating your tongue or cheek, we consider that a dental emergency. Visit our emergency dentistry page to learn more about what to expect.

Step 3: Temporary At-Home Relief (Until Your Appointment)

While you wait for your appointment, there are a few ways to protect your chipped tooth:

• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Stick to soft foods to prevent further damage
• Use dental wax (available at most drugstores) to cover sharp edges
• Stay away from hot or cold beverages if your tooth is sensitive

Remember, these are only temporary solutions, professional treatment is necessary to prevent infection or structural issues.

Step 4: Explore Treatment Options with Dr. Kunjumon

Once you’re in the chair at Touchstone Dentistry, Dr. Kunjumon will perform a thorough evaluation using advanced dental technology to determine the best course of action. Depending on the severity and location of the chip, treatment options may include:

Dental Bonding

For minor chips, tooth-colored resin can be applied and shaped to restore the natural look and function of the tooth. It’s quick, affordable, and often completed in a single visit.

Porcelain Veneers

If the chip is on a front tooth and you want a more permanent aesthetic solution, veneers offer a flawless finish and long-term durability.

Dental Crowns

For larger chips or structural damage, a dental crown may be necessary to fully restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. Crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth and are crafted to blend in perfectly with your smile.

Root Canal Therapy

If the chip exposes the pulp of your tooth and causes significant pain or infection, a root canal may be needed before restoring the tooth with a crown. This ensures long-term protection and eliminates discomfort.

Preventing Future Chips

Accidents happen, but you can reduce the risk of chipping your teeth by:

• Wearing a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth at night
• Avoiding hard foods like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, and hard candy
• Not using your teeth to open packages or chew on pens
• Keeping up with regular checkups to catch weak spots or dental problems early

Compassionate Care in a Dental Emergency

At Touchstone Dentistry, we know how stressful dental emergencies can be. That’s why Dr. Kunjumon and our caring staff prioritize urgent dental needs and provide clear, step-by-step guidance during every appointment.

Patients with dental anxiety will find comfort in our supportive, judgment-free environment, a fact echoed in many of our patient testimonials.

Need Help Now? Call Touchstone Dentistry

If you’ve chipped a tooth in League City, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier and more comfortable your treatment will be.

Call Touchstone Dentistry today at (281) 940-1300 or book an appointment online. We’re here to restore your smile with expert care and compassion.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.