Chipped Tooth Emergency
Immediate care and expert treatment for chipped teeth in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston
A damaged tooth can certainly disrupt your day! Whether the tooth was chipped due to a facial injury or from biting into something hard, it’s often crucial to reach out to your Emergency Dentist in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston for treatment. Here’s what you should do:
Steps to Take for a Chipped Tooth
- Address Other Injuries First
First, address any other injuries associated with the chipped tooth.
A tooth is more likely to chip where previous dental work has been done or where dental decay exists.
- Important
If the injury was trauma-related, ensure there are no other injuries that need immediate medical attention. For serious injuries, dial 911 or head straight to the nearest emergency room.
- Control Bleeding & Clean
Second, use gauze to stop any bleeding. Rinse your mouth with warm water or a warm saltwater solution.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you might need to take over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Preserve Tooth Fragments
Third, collect any dislodged tooth fragments and store them in milk or water.
Drs. Tran and Nguyen may need these fragments for tooth repair, or as a reference for shape or color while restoring your smile.
- Contact Lifeworks Dental
Lastly, get in touch with Lifeworks Dental. As an emergency dentist, we are available to treat your injury and provide guidance on the next steps for treatment.
Types of Chipped Teeth
- Loose or Shifted Teeth
This is the most serious type of fracture, occurring where the tooth is anchored in the jaw bone. A dentist can accurately diagnose this with an x-ray, and it’s more common in cases of severe trauma. Immediate professional attention is required.
Most Serious
- Crown Fracture
This happens in the part of the tooth above the gum line. A piece may break off entirely, or the tooth may have a fracture.
This type of damage is visible and often causes sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking.
Moderate
- Root Fracture
This happens when the tooth breaks below the gum line. The tooth may become dislodged or completely removed, and the dentist must retrieve any fragments that are still below the gum line. This requires immediate professional intervention.
Serious
Don't Wait - Get Emergency Care Now
If you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, don’t hesitate to call our office. Our emergency dental team at Lifeworks Dental is ready to provide immediate care and restore your smile. We understand dental emergencies can happen at any time, and we’re here to help.