There are countless ways in which a tooth can become damaged or chipped, from biting down on something hard to falling or receiving a blow to the face, as explained by WebMD. Thus, in the event that you notice a piece of your tooth has chipped away, it’s important to notify a dentist right away, even if you do not experience pain.
On the other hand, if a chipped tooth is met with excruciating pain and discomfort, individuals should take acetaminophen and rinse with salt water to keep the area around the tooth clean. Depending on the extent of damage, a chipped tooth might have a rough or sharp edge. In this case, molding a small piece of sugarless gum around the border of the tooth will help protect the surrounding tissues from becoming cut. Though it’s okay to eat with a chipped tooth, soft foods are best, and individuals are typically instructed not to bite down with their damaged tooth.
What Will My Dentist Do?
There are several treatments and repairs for chipped teeth, depending on how badly a tooth has been damaged and where it is located. For instance, if a small piece of enamel has broken away from a back tooth, a dental filling is a suitable procedure to restore the shape and strength of the tooth. Yet, if a front tooth has become chipped, a dentist will most likely perform dental bonding. This involves using a composite resin material that is shaped and matched to resemble the natural color and structure of a patient’s tooth. The material is secured and hardened using an ultraviolet light.
Dentists must also consider whether a damaged tooth has broken or chipped due to decay or disease. If decay is present, a tooth is weakened, and this could be the reason that the tooth chipped. If this is the case, dentists may decide to place a dental crown on the tooth instead of a dental filling. Crowns are comprised of different materials, and provide superior protection against damage and decay, while also restoring the appearance of teeth. Even so, if a tooth is heavily decayed or if the chipped portion exposes the pulp of the tooth, root canal therapy is usually recommended.
Call Grateful Dental For Comfortable Chipped Tooth Repair!
If you’ve chipped a tooth, Dr. Leia Porcaro and the team at Grateful Dental welcome your call today. We understand that even if you are not in pain, you might be worried about treatment being painful or extensive. That’s why we make every effort to put you at ease, with courteous patient care and comfortable chipped tooth repair. Do not wait. Call today!
