Chipped Tooth? Here’s What to Do
By Dr. Junho Choi
Let’s face it—chipping a tooth is never part of the plan. Whether it happened during a not-so-gentle bite into an almond or a friendly game of pickleball gone rogue, it catches you off guard. The good news? Most chipped teeth can be fixed without surgery, and often, without much fuss.
First Things First: What to Do Right Away
If you’ve just chipped your tooth, here’s your calm, cool, collected action plan:
- Rinse with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling (especially if you took a hit to the face).
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.
- Found the missing piece? Store it in milk or your saliva—yes, really—and bring it with you.
- And of course, call your dentist.
Now, Let’s Talk Solutions
At Dell’Acqua Choi Dental Studio, we’ve got several ways to fix a chipped tooth, all designed to get your smile back in shape—fast.
For Small Chips: Composite Bonding
This is one of my favorite go-to treatments. I use a tooth-colored resin to rebuild the missing piece, sculpting it to match your natural tooth. It’s quick, painless, and blends so well that even you might forget which tooth we worked on.
For Something a Bit More Noticeable: Porcelain Veneers
If the chip is larger or affecting how the tooth looks when you smile, a porcelain veneer may be the better fit. Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth, restoring both strength and aesthetics. Think of it as a little armor with style.
For More Extensive Damage: Crowns
When a tooth loses a significant portion of its structure, a crown is often the best option. It fits over the entire tooth, restoring shape and function while protecting what’s left underneath.
For Minor Touch-Ups: Enamel Contouring
If it’s just a rough edge or tiny chip, we may not need to add anything at all. A bit of enamel contouring can smooth things out quickly and painlessly—no anesthesia required.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Even a small chip can lead to bigger problems down the line—like sensitivity, decay, or more breakage. The sooner we fix it, the easier (and more affordable) it is.
So, if you’ve chipped a tooth and you’re in the Palm Desert area, come see me. We’ll get you back to smiling—and chewing—like nothing ever happened.
Looking forward to seeing you at the studio,
– Dr. Choi
