A chipped tooth is a common dental emergency that many people experience. Although tooth enamel is durable and considered the strongest mineral in the human body, it can still sustain damage if you’re not careful. Whether caused by a fall while out for a walk or by biting into a hard piece of food, you may begin to panic when you discover part of your tooth is missing. Instead, remain calm; learn what steps to take to avoid further harm before seeking professional help to restore your smile.
Dealing with a Chipped Tooth: What You Should Do
When dealing with a chipped tooth, you’ll want to make sure you follow the necessary steps to protect the rest of your mouth from additional damage. You can do this by:
- Rinsing out your mouth to flush away any blood or dirt. This will not only keep your teeth and gums clean but also prevent you from accidentally swallowing the broken part of your tooth (if it’s still in your mouth).
- Stop any bleeding with clean gauze. You’ll need to hold it down on the area until it is no longer flowing; however, if it doesn’t stop within 10-15 minutes, get to a local ER for immediate medical attention.
- Retrieve the broken portion of your tooth, if possible, and place it in a container of milk to keep it viable until you reach the dentist’s office.
- Minimize swelling and discomfort with a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Which Treatments Are Available to Restore Your Smile?
Treating a chipped tooth often depends on the size of the damaged area. Your dentist will need to examine it to decide which recommended service will be most appropriate in helping you achieve a fully restored smile. Some potential options might include:
- Cosmetic Bonding: This involves using composite resin to fill in the missing portion of the tooth. It can be color-matched so that it blends in seamlessly as well. This method of treatment might be best if the chip is small, as this will allow your dentist to re-establish the structure and aesthetics of your tooth.
- Veneers: If the chip is a bit larger, you can inquire about custom veneers. Although many cosmetic dentists recommend having more than one put into place, you can choose to receive just one veneer to cover the damaged tooth. The thin porcelain shell will fit over the front surface and effectively hide the flaw, so it is no longer visible.
- Dental Crowns: A custom-made crown can be used if the chip is substantial and prevents your tooth from functioning as it should. Your dentist will make sure it blends in with the rest of your teeth and helps strengthen the damaged structure.
Your dentist will help you determine how to move forward when choosing a form of treatment, but no matter what kind of service you decide, trust that you’ll no longer see a chipped tooth. Instead, you’ll enjoy restored confidence in your appearance.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
Grand Dental – Naperville consists of emergency dentists who are skilled and equipped to handle all types of dental injuries, including chipped teeth. Evaluating the severity of these cases allows us to present patients with multiple treatment options that are safe, effective, and known for producing beautiful results. If you recently experienced dental damage and need our help, visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970.