How To Fix a Chipped Tooth

Losing baby teeth is a normal part of childhood. But what if something happens to a permanent tooth?

Children love to play hard. From throwing a ball, to swinging on monkey bars, they can be quite active, but with this comes the risk that your child may someday chip a tooth.

As a parent, what do you do if that happens? Don’t worry, chipped teeth are a common and fixable part of childhood.

If your child chips a tooth, it’s easy as a parent to panic and not know what to do. Don’t worry though, this is a common occurrence and in most cases is treatable by a dentist.

My Child Chipped a Tooth. What Now?

As the parent, knowing what to do can help you to remain calm. It can be very upsetting to both you and your child, but with these steps you can ensure things will be okay:

  1. First, call your dentist. Tell them what happened, then schedule the first available appointment.
  2. Next, have your child rinse their mouth out with water.
  3. Once their mouth is clean, press a cold compress on the area.
  4. If you’re able to find the tooth fragment, bring it with you to your appointment.

What Can the Dentist Do?

There are several options, but what the dentist does depends on the situation.

  • For minor chips, your dentist may choose fill in the gap. This is similar to normal “fillings,” and works to close the gap.
  • For a larger chip, it may require a cap or crown. This be done in two stages, with a temporary crown later replaced with a permanent one.
  • If the damage is severe enough that a crown or filling isn’t an option, the dentist may use a dental veneer. A veneer will cover the whole front of the tooth and make it healthy and whole again.
  • In cases of severe chips or breaks, a root canal may be required. This will prevent infection, and afterwards will be covered by a crown.

We Can Help

We know how important your family’s heath is. Our partners are here to help with all your dental needs, from a chipped tooth to a routine cleaning. Our Kool Smiles Kids Club dental partners accept most major insurance plans, Medicaid, Tricare, and many other options to keep your needs affordable and your family going.
No matter what your needs, we’re here for you. Call us today to make an appointment and let us get you the quality care you deserve.