Tooth enamel might be one of the strongest tissues in your body, but that does not mean it is not prone to damage. When you fall, experience a blow to the face, bite down on a hard surface, or even use your teeth to open packages, it can lead to a chipped tooth. If you have a fractured, even slightly chipped, tooth, it is time to visit your dentist. In this blog, we will tell you what to do for a chipped tooth!
What You Should Do for a Chipped Tooth
Your tooth might chip off for many reasons, but you should take immediate action to prevent any lasting damage. The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth to get rid of any contaminants or food particles in your teeth. Then, make an appointment with your dentist to get your tooth checked and proceed with the proper treatment.
Getting an appointment with the dentist can take several days, so make sure you cater to the affected tooth. After rinsing your mouth, floss your tooth to ensure the area is clean. While you wait for the dental appointment, you can cover the jagged edges of the tooth with the help of a dental wax. Otherwise, the chipped tooth might wound your mouth. If you cannot get your hands on a dental wax, sugarless gum works, too — for a short span of time only.
Treatment for Chipped Tooth
There are multiple ways to treat a chipped or fractured tooth. You should go to your dentist to determine which procedure needs to be done, depending on the type of fracture. Your dentist might proceed with:
- Dental Filling or Bonding: Your dentist might repair the damage using a dental filling if you have only chipped off a minor piece of tooth enamel. However, the dentist might suggest bonding if the fractured tooth is visible when you smile; this uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fix your affected tooth.
- Dental Cap or Crown: You may need a dental crown when a large piece of tooth breaks off. Whether it happened due to damage or decay, the dentist will grind off the affected area and cover it with the dental cap. They help protect your tooth from additional damage and blend in with your natural smile.
- Dental Veneers: Is your front tooth slightly chipped? Dental veneers might be the right answer to make it appear healthy and whole again. These thin shells of tooth-colored material, made of porcelain or resin composite, cover the front surface of your tooth to replace the broken area. The procedure might involve removing some of your enamel from the surface, which makes room for the veneer.
- Root Canal Therapy: It is possible for the chip to expose the pulp of your tooth, which might allow bacteria to enter it and cause an infection. So, if your tooth hurts, has increased sensitivity, and exhibits other symptoms of infection, you may need a root canal. Sometimes, the dentist will cover the tooth with a crown after the root canal.
Final Takeaway
You should immediately receive dental attention if you have fractured your tooth. They will know what to do for a chipped tooth after a thorough examination. At Houston Dental Implant Center, we are committed to providing top-quality dental care. Dial (713) 664-1661 to book an appointment or give us a visit at 4548 Bissonnet St., Suite 300, Bellaire, Texas 77401.