A chipped or broken tooth can be an alarming experience—but with the right care and quick action, you can minimize the damage and restore your smile. At Bassett Creek Dental, we provide emergency dental services in Golden Valley, MN, to help you when the unexpected happens.
What Causes Broken or Chipped Teeth?
Dental injuries can happen during:
- Sports activities
- Accidents or falls
- Biting into hard foods (ice, popcorn kernels, candy)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Using your teeth as tools
Whether it’s a minor chip or a serious fracture, the key is to act fast.
What to Do if You Chip or Break a Tooth
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Take a deep breath and look at the tooth. Is it a small chip, or is the damage more severe? If you’re in pain or if the nerve is exposed, call your dentist right away. Even small fractures can worsen without proper care.
Tip: Always contact your dentist—X-rays may reveal hidden issues not visible to the eye.
2. Take Immediate Action
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply gauze or a clean cloth if bleeding
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
Emergency Dental Care in Golden Valley
Call Bassett Creek Dental at 763-546-1301 if you experience a dental emergency. Describe what happened so we can determine how quickly you need to be seen. In many cases, we can schedule same-day emergency visits for chipped or broken teeth.
Treatment Options for Chipped or Broken Teeth
At your visit, your dentist will assess the damage and recommend the best treatment:
Minor chips: Repaired with dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin that restores shape and strength.
Moderate damage: May require a dental crown to cover and protect the tooth.
Severe fractures: In rare cases, if the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be necessary—with options for replacement like dental implants or bridges.
How to Prevent Future Dental Injuries
Protecting your smile is the best defense against emergencies. Here are simple ways to prevent chipped or broken teeth:
- Don’t chew on hard items like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels
- Avoid using your teeth to open packages
- Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports
- Practice good oral hygiene (brush twice a day and floss daily)
- See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups
Serving Golden Valley & Nearby Communities
If you’re in Golden Valley, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, or Minnetonka, trust Bassett Creek Dental to help with dental emergencies and keep your smile strong for life.
Call 763-546-1301 or book online
to schedule your emergency or routine dental visit.