{"id":255,"date":"2025-06-19T06:49:28","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T06:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granddentalnaperville.com\/blog\/?p=255"},"modified":"2025-07-04T07:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T07:13:20","slug":"chipped-tooth-what-should-you-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granddentalnaperville.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/19\/chipped-tooth-what-should-you-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Damage SOS: How to Handle a Chipped Tooth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A chipped tooth<\/a> is a common dental emergency that many people experience. Although tooth enamel is durable and considered the strongest mineral in the human body, it can still sustain damage if you\u2019re not careful. Whether caused by a fall while out for a walk or by biting into a hard piece of food, you may begin to panic when you discover part of your tooth is missing. Instead, remain calm; learn what steps to take to avoid further harm before seeking professional help to restore your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dealing with a Chipped Tooth: What You Should Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When dealing with a chipped tooth, you\u2019ll want to make sure you follow the necessary steps to protect the rest of your mouth from additional damage. You can do this by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Rinsing out your mouth to flush away any blood or dirt. This will not only keep your teeth and gums clean but also prevent you from accidentally swallowing the broken part of your tooth (if it\u2019s still in your mouth).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Stop any bleeding with clean gauze. You\u2019ll need to hold it down on the area until it is no longer flowing; however, if it doesn\u2019t stop within 10-15 minutes, get to a local ER for immediate medical attention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Retrieve the broken portion of your tooth, if possible, and place it in a container of milk to keep it viable until you reach the dentist\u2019s office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Minimize swelling and discomfort with a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Which Treatments Are Available to Restore Your Smile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Treating a chipped tooth often depends on the size of the damaged area. Your dentist will need to examine it to decide which recommended service will be most appropriate in helping you achieve a fully restored smile. Some potential options might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n