Help! I Think I Chipped a Tooth

So, you’re biting into an apple, snacking on popcorn during a movie, or maybe you took an accidental hit to your mouth, and now something doesn’t feel quite right. You run your tongue over your teeth and feel something jagged and sharp. Oh no! There’s a chip in your tooth.

Dental Blvd in Mission Hills, California, is a full-service dental practice where Shant Terteryan, DDS, and our team offer comprehensive dentistry solutions to help fix your chip and restore your smile.

First things first: What should you do?

If you think you’ve chipped a tooth, here are a few quick things you can do until you can get in to see us:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean
• Apply a cold compress to your cheek if there’s any swelling
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods until Dr. Terteryan checks things out

If your tooth is aching, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can help. If the chip is sharp, try covering it with sugarless gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek from irritation. 

And don’t wait too long to call us. We can assess the damage and recommend the best solution.

Assessing the problem and finding a solution

Not all chipped teeth require extensive repair. Some are minor and purely cosmetic, while others are more significant and can impact the function and health of your tooth. 

Depending on the severity, Dr. Terteryan may recommend:

Dental bonding

Bonding is a quick and easy fix for small chips, using a tooth-colored resin to reshape and repair your tooth.

Veneers

Veneers are great for front teeth with more noticeable chips. These thin porcelain shells can restore your smile beautifully.

Crowns

If the damage is more extensive, a crown may be the best way to protect what’s left of your tooth and restore full function.

Root canal therapy

If the chip exposes the nerve, we might need to treat the inside of your tooth using root canal therapy before placing a crown. This procedure removes any infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside your tooth.

At Dental Blvd, we strive for a conservative and personalized approach. That means we’ll do everything we can to preserve your natural tooth while restoring its strength and appearance.

We’ve got your smile covered

Even if you’re not in pain, it’s important to have a chipped tooth checked out as soon as you can. Small issues can become big problems if left untreated. 

We guide you through your options and create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Don’t let a chipped tooth turn into a painful or expensive issue. Contact our office today at 818-830-2828 or use our online scheduling feature at your convenience to schedule an appointment with our skilled team.