Do you habitually chew on ice, or do you play a sport where you might get hit in the face? If so, be cautious; the enamel protecting your teeth is the hardest tissue in your body, but even it can break. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic if you have a chipped tooth. With proper first aid and a trip to the emergency dentist in Cumberland, your pearly whites can often be repaired. Read on to learn more about chipped teeth – and how you can take care of them!
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
Biting down on hard substances like ice or hard candy, falling on your face, getting hit in the mouth during sports while not wearing a mouthguard, and grinding your teeth while you sleep can all cause your enamel to chip. Also, anything that weakens your teeth – such as tooth decay, acid reflux, frequent vomiting, and aging – can leave them more vulnerable to damage.
What Should You Do If Your Tooth is Chipped?
You need to call your dentist as soon as you realize that you’ve chipped a tooth. If you ignore it, the damage could become worse, or you might develop an infection that could cause you to lose the tooth altogether. Here are a few ways you can protect your pearly whites and stay comfortable while waiting for your appointment:
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing any discomfort.
- Rinse with salt water; not only will it help reduce discomfort, but it will also help kill bacteria that could enter the tooth.
- If you need to eat, do not bite down on the damaged tooth. Stick to soft foods until you can see your dentist.
- You can cover any sharp or jagged edges with dental wax or sugarless chewing gum so that they don’t cut your tongue or the inside of your mouth.
How Can a Chipped Tooth Be Repaired?
There are multiple ways to fix a tooth; your dentist will need to see how extensive the damage is before deciding which option is right for you. If just a small piece of enamel is missing, it can be replaced with a tooth-colored composite resin in a simple procedure called bonding. On the other hand, if a large piece has been broken off, a dental crown might need to be placed instead. If your front teeth have been damaged, you might consider dental veneers (thin porcelain shells attached to the front of your teeth) to improve their appearance. In the worst-case scenario, root canal therapy could be necessary if the tooth has become infected.
Whatever treatment you get, you should make the appointment quickly; the sooner you repair your tooth, the sooner you can enjoy a healthy, dazzling smile again.
About the Practice
At Diamond Hill Dental, we develop treatment plans based around what you genuinely want and needs – whether that means a smile makeover or repairs for your chipped teeth. We offer fillings, crowns, veneers, and other restorative options to help reverse the damage done to your pearly whites. To schedule an appointment at our Cumberland office, visit our website or call (401) 333-2700.