My Child Chipped a Tooth, Now What?

Children can chip a tooth easily, perhaps due to a fall or a sports injury. A chipped tooth is typically a minor dental issue and no cause for major concern. But it should be evaluated by a dentist and treated if necessary. 

If your child chipped a tooth, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. In this guide to chipped teeth you will learn everything you need to know if you ever find yourself in this situation. 

What is a Chipped Tooth? 

A chipped tooth occurs when a small piece of a tooth breaks off, such as a corner or a cusp. A chipped tooth is typically just a minor cosmetic issue, but it can be more serious depending on the size of the chip. 

Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency? 

A chipped tooth is not typically considered to be an emergency. As long as the chip is small and only as deep as the top layer of enamel, there is no reason to rush to the dentist. If it occurs after your dentist’s regular office hours, it can most likely wait until the next day. 

However, if a large piece of a tooth breaks off or if there is a significant amount of pain resulting from the fracture, you should seek emergency treatment. Call your dentist either during or after hours if the situation is urgent. 

When to Seek Treatment 

How soon should you have a chipped tooth treated? Ideally you should call your dentist as soon as you notice a chipped tooth. They will most likely work you in for an appointment the same day, or as soon as possible. Save the broken piece of your tooth in a cup of milk if possible and bring it with you to your appointment. 

Treatment for a Cracked Tooth 

A cracked tooth may receive any of the following treatments: 

• Composite bonding. A small chip may be patched with composite material that reshapes the tooth using tooth-colored resin. The resin is hardened using a special light. 
• Dental crown. A larger chip or fracture may require a dental crown, which covers the entire visible portion of the tooth with a porcelain or metal tooth-shaped cap. 
• Root canal therapy. If the tooth has internal damage due to the chip, root canal therapy may be needed to restore the health of the tooth from the inside before placing a crown. 

How Long Can a Chipped Tooth Wait? 

A chipped tooth is not always serious, but it can lead to some problems if it goes untreated. If the chip is large enough that it reaches the dentin, the soft layer beneath the enamel, the tooth is at risk of infection. Bacteria may get inside the tooth through the porous layer of dentin and infect the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of each tooth. An infected tooth can be painful and without treatment can lead to permanent loss of the tooth. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Teeth 

Does a chipped baby tooth need to be treated? 

Whether or not a baby tooth is treated depends on the severity and size of the chip. It may also depend on how soon the tooth will be naturally shed. A tooth that is already loose may not need any treatment. But a tooth that won’t be ready to come out for a while should be treated to prevent infection. 

Who should treat a chipped tooth? 

Your pediatric dentist can often treat a minor chipped tooth. But a tooth that has internal damage to the dental pulp may need the expertise of a specialist, such as an endodontist. An endodontist specializes in root canal therapy and other treatments that restore the health of the dental pulp. 

Contact Elite Endodontics of NH

In case of a chipped tooth or other dental trauma, contact us at Elite Endodontics of NH. Our highly qualified endodontists can provide the necessary treatment to restore your child’s oral health.