What Should I Do If I Have A Chipped Tooth?
Having a good oral hygiene routine is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But sometimes, no matter how well you care for your oral health, you cannot protect your teeth from getting chipped. Be it an injury, a fall, or biting into something too hard, chipping a tooth is a common occurrence.
However, just because it is common doesn’t mean people know what to do when they chip a tooth. That is why, in this article, we have put together all the details and pointers you need to know in case of a dental emergency such as this, so let’s get right into it.
What Are The Causes of Chipped Teeth?
Before we jump straight into damage control, it is essential to understand what causes your dental enamel to break apart. After all, your pearly whites aren’t that weak, so how do they chip off so easily? Well, the reasons behind this grave injury are as such:
- Accidentally getting hit in the face really hard.
- A poor diet that lacks proper vitamins and nutrition.
- Biting into something extremely hard or rough.
- Suffering from a sports-related injury.
- Tooth decay that spreads and affects the structure of your teeth.
- Constantly grinding or clenching your teeth.
While the cause is usually an external force or trauma, it can sometimes be brought upon by poor oral health as well. In either case, it is necessary to follow good oral care to prevent your teeth from weakening.
How to Identify a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
Pain is the most common sign of a broken or chipped tooth, but it isn’t always present. In some cases, minor chips, cracks, or breaks might not be noticeable until they become more pronounced. It is easy to notice a chipped front tooth, but if a molar or premolar chips, you may find it difficult to identify the damaged area.
A useful way to detect a chipped or broken tooth is to feel the rough edges with your tongue. Additionally, you might experience discomfort when eating, as food particles can get trapped in the gaps of the damaged teeth.
If the chip or break is so severe that it extends to the tooth’s pulp, you will likely experience pain and increased sensitivity. In this case, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent any further issues.
What To Do Immediately After A Tooth Chips?
If you had the misfortune of chipping a piece of your tooth, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to minimize the damage. For instance, if only a small part of your tooth broke off, make sure to keep that piece safe. Wrap it up in a small piece of gauze and take it to the dentist. Depending on the condition, they may be able to bond it back into place.
However, if you lose the chipped tooth, don’t worry. Just make sure to apply a cold compress over the area to stop the bleeding and keep the swelling at bay. You should also immediately rinse your mouth with water and swish some salt water solution to ensure there’s no hidden bacterium.
Lastly, the only thing you can do is head over to an emergency dental care center for further relief, especially if there is a lot of pain. Getting prompt treatment can help save your tooth and prevent extraction.
Are There Any Ways To Repair A Chipped Tooth?
Once your tooth chips or breaks, it cannot be repaired on its own. Fortunately, there are different treatment options available to fix your chipped teeth. You will first have a dental consultation, during which your dentist will assess the extent of damage to determine the best treatment option for you.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure used to repair chipped, broken, or cracked teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected area, which is then sculpted and hardened to restore the original form of your tooth.
A key advantage of dental bonding is that it does not require the removal of enamel, preserving the natural tooth structure. This method can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth in just one sitting.
Veneers
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic option for dramatically improving the appearance of your smile. These ultra-thin porcelain shells are designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth, effectively masking imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration.
The process is minimally invasive, as it involves the removal of a thin enamel layer. Generally, this treatment takes two to three appointments to transform your smile.
Lumineers
Lumineers are an upgraded version of veneers that can be used to correct various cosmetic flaws, including chipped teeth. They are thinner than traditional veneers and can be placed directly onto the tooth surface without removing the enamel.
Due to this benefit, they are also called no-prep veneers. They are a perfect option for people who want chipped tooth repair without any invasive procedures.
Dental Crowns
For teeth that are severely broken or worn out, dental crowns offer a robust solution to prevent further damage. Crowns are placed to encase the entire visible portion of the damaged tooth, providing added strength and protection.
They are custom-designed to mimic the natural shape and contours of your teeth. For this procedure, your dentist will trim some part of the enamel to facilitate crown placement. On the second visit, they will fit the permanent crown over the prepared tooth.
Closing Words
Having a chipped tooth can significantly impact your smile and confidence. Even if the damage is small, the only thing you can do is reach out to your dentist and schedule an appointment immediately. At Almond Dental, you can consult our skilled professional, Dr. Prem, who offers effective solutions for chipped tooth repair. With the use of our advanced skills and technology, we can help you achieve a flawless smile within no time! Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our practice.