A chipped tooth is a relatively common occurrence. Children are often highly active and prone to accidents such as falls and injuries. If your child chips a tooth, you may not know how to handle the situation. Does a chipped tooth need treatment? Is it merely cosmetic? Here’s what you should do if your child chips a tooth.
Check for Bleeding
If there is any bleeding around the tooth, apply pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Once the bleeding has stopped you can more effectively assess the condition of the tooth and the size of the chip.
Does a Chipped Tooth Need Treatment?
A very small chip in a baby tooth may not require any treatment, especially if the tooth is loose or is due to come out soon. However, if it is painful or the chip is on the larger side, it may need to be treated.
A chip in a permanent tooth should always be treated. Permanent teeth are meant to last for the rest of your life. If something happens to a permanent tooth so that it can’t be saved, the only option is to replace it with a dental prosthetic. A chip that is large enough can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, resulting in an infection. This tooth may need a root canal and a crown.
When Should I Call My Child’s Dentist About a Chipped Tooth?
It is in the best interest of your child’s dental health to call your dentist immediately in the case of a chipped tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage, prompt treatment could mean the difference between saving the tooth or losing it. Always call, even if it is after regular office hours. Someone from your dentist’s office will help you determine if it is urgent enough to need immediate treatment or if it can wait until the next day.
What if My Child is in Pain?
If a chipped tooth is causing your child pain, over the counter pain medication will usually help. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are often most effective in these situations. You should call your dentist immediately if your child has pain from a chipped tooth.
Cosmetic Treatment for a Chipped Tooth
Sometimes the only treatment necessary for a small chip in a tooth is cosmetic bonding. Tooth-colored composite material is used to fill in the missing piece of the tooth that blends in with the existing enamel. This restores the natural appearance of your child’s tooth. If a larger piece of a tooth breaks off, a crown may be placed over the tooth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits completely over the top of an existing tooth. It allows the natural root of the tooth and some of the tooth material to remain in place.
Chipped Teeth Need To Be Checked
The bottom line is that a chipped tooth should always be examined by a dentist. The extent of the damage may be more than what it seems, and prompt treatment could save a tooth. Even baby teeth should be checked if chipped, because they may be in place for many years before they are naturally shed. Protect your oral health by getting a chipped tooth checked out.
Kids and Teens Dental Place provides comprehensive dental services for children through young adults in Houston and Pearland, Texas. To learn more, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations.
