Do I Need an Emergency Dentist for A Chipped Tooth?

Chipped Tooth: When to See an Emergency Dentist

An impact to your mouth, biting a hard object, chewing crunchy food, or falling can all cause a chipped tooth. But is a chipped tooth a dental emergency, or can it wait? Here’s how to tell if you need to see a dentist right away, along with treatment options for a chipped tooth.

Do You Need an Emergency Dentist for a Chipped Tooth?

Whether a chipped tooth requires immediate attention depends on the extent of damage and your symptoms:

• Chip size – Small chips on a tooth edge or corner may not need urgent care. Large chips, however, can affect the tooth pulp (living tissue) and lead to infection—call an emergency dentist.
• Bleeding – If the chipped tooth or surrounding gums are bleeding, prompt treatment is needed.
• Looseness – Any looseness in the tooth, even with a minor chip, requires a dental evaluation.
• Your symptoms – Pain, pressure, or sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch are reasons to call a dentist immediately.

If you’re unsure, contact a dental office and describe the issue—they can advise you on next steps.

You Still Need to See a Dentist

Even if your chipped tooth does not qualify as an emergency, you should schedule an appointment. A dentist will:

• Examine the tooth and surrounding area
• Take X-rays to detect external and internal damage

A chipped tooth that looks fine may still be at risk for worsening over time.

Why Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Repairing a chipped tooth protects your oral health. Consider the effects of leaving it untreated:

• The area around the chip can weaken or crack over time.
• Chips near the tooth pulp may worsen, potentially requiring a root canal.
• Early repair can prevent further damage and future dental complications.

How Is a Chipped Tooth Repaired?

Treatment depends on the size, location, and tooth position. Options include:

• Dental bonding – A tooth-colored composite fills in the missing portion. If you saved the chipped fragment, your dentist may be able to reattach it. Bonding is quick, low-cost, and performed in the dental chair.
• Porcelain veneer – Suitable for larger chips or teeth with additional cosmetic issues, such as discoloration or shape concerns.
• Dental crown – Large chips or teeth requiring a root canal may need a crown, which covers and protects the entire tooth.

Preventing a Chipped Tooth

While accidents happen, these precautions can reduce risk:

• Wear a mouthguard – Protect your teeth during sports or activities with a high fall risk.
• Break habits that can chip teeth – Avoid chewing hard foods or using teeth to open packages.
• Wear a nightguard – Teeth grinding or clenching can weaken teeth. Ask your dentist for a custom night guard or bite plate for nighttime use.

Do You Have a Dental Emergency?

If you are in the La Verne, California area and have a chipped tooth emergency, call In Motion Dentists at (626) 594-0374. We will guide you on how to protect your tooth from further damage and welcome you for treatment.