Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, it's easy to end up with a chipped tooth or, even worse, a cracked or broken one. That's because chips can arise from a number of mundane activities like opening a package with your food, eating hard crunchy foods, or accidents that lead to you getting hit in the mouth.
A chipped tooth can be painless, or it can come with intense pain. What is certain about a chipped tooth is the fact it takes away from your smile and can even make you feel self-conscious.
The best way to deal with a chipped tooth is to have it checked out and fixed by a dentist as soon as possible. The procedure your dentist will opt for depends on the specifics of your situation.
It might take a few weeks before you are able to go to the dentist when you chip a tooth, but there are some things you can do before your scheduled appointment that can make it easier for you to live with it until you can get professional help. For starters, save any piece of the tooth you can find. Your dentist might be able to attach it back with an adhesive.
If there is pain associated with the chip, take over-the-counter pain medication. That will help to minimize the pain and control the swelling. Rinsing your mouth often can also help you to remove food particles that can end up aggravating the tooth.
If brushing your teeth leads to pain and discomfort because of the chip, clean the areas furthest from the tooth in question and use a quality mouthwash to clean the rest of your mouth.
If you still experience lots of pain even after taking over-the-counter painkillers, apply an ice pack to the area around the tooth. This will further reduce any swelling and pain associated with the injury.
Your dentist has a handful of options when it comes to addressing chipped teeth. These include:
If you are dealing with a minor chip, your dentist might decide to use a dental bond to address the issue. The dentist applies a soft resin to the chip and molds it into the gap. The dentist then hardens the resin using a special light. Dental bonding can also reattach a piece of your tooth that breaks off if you are able to save it.
Crowns are often for more serious cases of chipped teeth. Also known as caps, these crowns act as a protective cover for any natural tooth that sustains damage. It protects the pulp and nerves from damage due to exposure to food particles and high/low temperatures.
These act as covers that are used to cover imperfections on a tooth like a chip. The enamel of the tooth is filled off by your dentist to ensure a naturally-looking fit.
Contact us to find out more about what can be done about a chipped tooth and restore your smile.
For more information on chipped teeth or to schedule an appointment with Montville Smiles, request an appointment in our Montville dental office here: https://dentistofmontville.com. Or call us at (973) 302-2079.
Think you might need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Dental crowns play an essential role in restorative dentistry and are used primarily for correcting damage to the teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have had cavities. Dental crowns…
If you are considering getting a dental crown, you might want to know how many appointments the procedure will require. The good news is, depending on the process, you might not have to wait that long. Usually, it takes two visits. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect.The process of getting a…
If you're looking to give your smile an instant facelift, then dental crowns are just what you need. These caps of porcelain, metal or another durable material can be placed on the tops of teeth to instantly whiten them and fill in small chips or cracks that detract from the appearance of your smile. If…
A dental crown usually lasts for several years, but it can chip or break. Sometimes, a dental crown can be repaired. But this depends on multiple factors, including the amount of damage and the type of dental crown you have. A damaged dental crown needs to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid complications.A…
Gum disease is not a condition you should ever ignore. At the first signs of trouble, you should talk to your dentist about how to treat these issues and restore your gums to good health. While the dentist can recommend in-office treatment, there are also things you can do on your own. Along with good…
A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire tooth structure from the crown to the roots. This tooth replacement can enhance your oral function and health. Here are the details on how a dental implant can improve your quality of life.Research shows that oral structures work together to…