What to Do When You Chip a Tooth Accidents, blows to the face, falls, and injuries are the real culprits behind chipped teeth. Even intentional actions such as using your teeth to tear packaging or biting down on hard foods can cause chipping. If you have a chipped tooth, you should see a dentist right away. There are several ways to repair a chipped tooth, such as bonds, veneers, and root canals. Your dentist will conduct an examination and determine the best way to treat your chipped tooth and repair it to restore your smile. What Should You Do If You Have a Chipped Tooth?When you have a chipped tooth, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a dentist. In the meantime, you should rinse your mouth and floss often to get rid of any food particles that may worsen the wound. You can also use temporary bonding material or dental wax to keep the jagged edges of your tooth from irritating your gums and tongue. Additionally, you can also take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain. You can find all of these items at your local pharmacy. Dentists also suggest icing the affected area on the outside of your cheek or face to reduce swelling, if there is any. Treatment Options for a Chipped ToothThere are a variety of ways to treat a chipped tooth depending on the severity of the chipping: BondingBonding is a standard repair method for chipped and broken teeth. If you have a small or less complicated chip, your dentist will recommend this treatment option. If you take care of them properly, bonds can last for up to ten years. The bonding process involves adding a composite substance on top of the chipped and healthy areas of the tooth. First, your dentist will scrape up the remaining surface, so the composite attaches appropriately. Then, they will attach and shape the bond to create a natural-looking cover for your chipped tooth. Finally, they will use a blue light to harden the bond material. VeneersIf your tooth is damaged severely, you might require veneers. Repairing a chipped tooth with veneers means placing a porcelain cover over the chipped tooth. This gives a smooth and natural look that is identical to your original teeth. Your dentist may install one veneer over just the chipped tooth or several veneers to create a cohesive look. Veneers not only repair chipped teeth but also upgrade the overall look of your smile. They can last up to two decades. Root CanalIf most of the tooth is broken off, but the root is still intact, your dentist might recommend a root canal. This process involves attaching a post in your tooth’s canal to build up the structure so that a temporary crown can be placed. Later, your dentist will add a permanent crown over the post to restore your smile. Do not wait for your condition to worsen before you head in to see a dentist. Call San Tan Oral Surgery today at (480) 604-2592 to schedule an appointment for the repair of your chipped tooth. |
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