Chipping a tooth is not at all an uncommon occurrence, and most of the time, it’s not too serious. However, the way you respond and care for the chipped tooth is important.
Determining the Severity of Your Trauma
First things first how serious is it? Did your tooth chip as a result of trauma to your face? If so, and if it is accompanied by bleeding from the nose or ears, loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, disorientation, severe headache or earache, or if your teeth do not fit together properly after the trauma, go to a hospital emergency room for evaluation immediately. It is possible that you have a brain injury, bleeding inside of your skull, or broken bones in your face or jaw.
If none of those is the case, then you should be okay until you can get in to see your dentist. If you were able to recover the part of the tooth that broke off, keep it to bring with you to your local cosmetic dentistry office. It is possible that they would be able to reattach it. Be sure to let your dentist’s office know if the tooth is causing you pain.
Related Post: General Dentistry Advice: Dealing With A Chipped Tooth
How to Care for Your Chipped Tooth in the Meantime
Until you are able to see your dentist, you can rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to soothe any pain and prevent infection. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure with clean gauze. You may also use an ice pack on your face, adjacent to the chipped tooth. If you are not able to get into your dentist immediately, use temporary dental cement on the chipped tooth and use sugarless gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheeks. Stick to soft foods and liquids, and take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Your dentist will examine your chipped tooth and discuss options for different cosmetic dentistry procedures to get your smile back in perfect shape.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for Every Type of Damage
If the chip or crack is simply in the enamel, Composite Resin Filling could be a viable option. This would blend right in with your teeth, providing a quick and easy repair. Although it’s a little more involved of a cosmetic dentistry procedure, a veneer might also be something to consider.
If the fracture goes deeper, affecting the dentin, your options for cosmetic dentistry procedures will all be slightly heavier. You may require a filling, partial or full crown or even a root canal, if the nerve has been affected. A root canal will clean out and seal the inside of the tooth and remove the nerve. If you believe to have this type of chipped or broken tooth, do your best to get to your dentist within 24-48 hours of your injury – make it sooner if you are experiencing pain.
Parkcrest Dental Group is Here to Help
There are also other possibilities, such as tooth concussions or displacement, which your cosmetic dentistry office will discuss with you when you call. They’ll ask the right questions to figure out how urgent a matter it is and get you in as soon as possible. At Parkcrest Dental Group, our standard for caring for you is high. We want to repair your teeth to a smile that you are proud of.
