Many people encounter chipped teeth more often than you think. Most patients do not even realize they have chipped a tooth until someone points out the irregular shape. Suppose you are out with your loved one on your Valentine’s Day date and you are sipping your drink along with some ice, you bite down on the ice cube and all of a sudden, crack! You feel that crunch was a little harder than you thought, and out of your mouth comes a fragment of one of your teeth. The first thing to do is to remain calm and call your dentist if possible. Fortunately, there are a few solutions to help resolve this issue. Today we will share with you some of the treatments available for your chipped tooth.
Crown and Bridge
The type of treatment your dentist uses for repair depends on the severity of damage caused from the accident. A crown and bridge is one of the treatments recommend for larger chips or broken teeth with extensive decay. The dentist will prepare your teeth by removing any remaining fragments and shaping the remainder of the tooth to receive the crown.
Dental Veneers
In the event that the chipped tooth occurred in the front teeth, most dentists prefer to use dental veneers. These devices are made of porcelain and they are bonded to the damaged tooth. It usually will cover the entire front portion of the tooth and will blend in well with your natural teeth.
Root Canal
For a cracked tooth patients may need to undergo a root canal, because this damaged the whole surface of the tooth all the way down to the nerve. In some instances, the cracked pieces remain in place but the crack gradually spreads. Cracks can be repaired with simple composite fillings, but if the damage disrupts the nerve tissue the patient may also need a root canal.
If you are not able to see a dentist right away, be sure to schedule an appointment for treatment at your earliest convenience to avoid chronic pain or more cracking. In the meantime here is what you can do to treat the site of the chipped tooth:
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Rinse your mouth with salt water or mouthwash occasionally to keep area clean
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Cover the crack with paraffin wax to avoid cutting your mouth
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Chew only soft foods in other areas of the mouth
Always be aware of what you are eating or chewing on. If you chipped a tooth, at Eastlake Dentistry, Dr. Tin and her staff have a variety of solutions to correct your smile. Call now to schedule an appointment to have the professionals repair the damage, no matter how big or how small.
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