You’re enjoying a meal, or maybe you bit down on something harder than expected. Then you feel it, that sudden, sharp edge against your tongue. You’ve chipped a tooth.
Your first thought might be panic. Your second: “Does this count as an emergency?” The answer depends on a few things. Let’s walk through what to look for and when to call Dr. Blevins or Dr. Gardner at our Mullins office.
First, Don’t Panic. But Don’t Ignore It Either
A small chip that doesn’t hurt might feel like no big deal. And sometimes, that’s true. But even a tiny fracture can weaken the tooth over time. Chewing puts constant pressure on your teeth. What starts as a minor flaw can grow deeper or trap bacteria, leading to decay or infection down the road.
So yes, even “small” chips deserve a phone call. We’d rather take a quick look and tell you it’s fine than wait until it becomes a bigger problem.
How to Tell If It’s an Emergency
Here’s a simple guide. If any of these sound familiar, call us right away at (843) 627-2406:
- You’re in pain. Sharp pain when biting down, or a constant dull ache, means the chip might have reached the inner layer of the tooth where the nerve lives.
- The tooth feels loose. That could mean the fracture goes below the gum line or has affected the root.
- You see pink or red inside the tooth. That’s the pulp (the living part). This is a true emergency.
- A large piece broke off. The bigger the chip, the more likely the tooth needs immediate help.
If the chip is tiny, doesn’t hurt, and has no sharp edges, you’re probably fine to wait a day or two. But still give us a call to get on the schedule.
What to Do While You Wait
First, rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s any bleeding, gentle pressure with a clean gauze usually stops it.
If the edge feels sharp against your tongue or cheek, you can cover it with a small piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax. This is just a temporary fix to protect your soft tissues until you see us.
Stick to soft foods, and avoid chewing on that side. Also skip anything very hot or very cold, chipped teeth can become temperature-sensitive.
How We Fix a Chipped Tooth at Blevins Dentistry
This is where our technology makes a real difference in your comfort. Depending on the size and location of the chip, Dr. Blevins might:
- Smooth and polish a very small chip that’s purely cosmetic.
- Bond the tooth with a tooth-colored resin. This is our most common fix. It’s fast, affordable, and looks completely natural.
- Place a same-day crown using our CAD/CAM technology if the chip is large or the tooth is weakened. You won’t need a temporary crown or a second visit. We design, mill, and place it all in one appointment.
- For deeper fractures that reach the nerve, we’d discuss a root canal or even a dental implant. But most chips are simple to fix.
You Don’t Have to Live With a Chipped Tooth
Maybe you chipped a tooth years ago and just got used to it. Or you’ve been hiding your smile because of a visible chip on a front tooth. Either way, we’d love to help.
At Blevins Dentistry, we’re not a stuffy, impersonal office. We’re the kind of place where Dr. Blevins sits down and listens to what’s bothering you. We use the latest tools, but we never forget that you’re a person, not just a set of teeth.
Give us a call. Let’s get that chip fixed so you can smile, eat, and laugh without thinking about it ever again.