Your tooth is one of the hardest structures in your body. But sometimes, even the strongest teeth can chip. A number of things can cause a chipped tooth, from biting into something hard to graphical trauma.
And while a chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, it can actually lead to bigger problems down the road if not treated properly.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix a chipped tooth and get back to smiling with confidence.
Read on to determine whether your chipped tooth is a dental emergency or not and what are the ways to fix your chipped tooth.
Dental Bonding or Dental Filling
Dental bonding can be a quick and cost-effective way of fixing a chipped tooth. If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling.
The dental bonding process involves the use of a dental resin material that is shaped and moulded to look like the original tooth.
Once the dental bonding agent has hardened, it provides an aesthetically pleasing dental restoration that can last for years with proper care.
Dental Veneer
A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-shaped shell that can be permanently bonded to the front of your damaged tooth.
Dental veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and can be used to fix discoloured or misaligned, broken or chipped teeth. They provide an attractive and durable solution to your chipped tooth problem and can be matched to the colour of your surrounding teeth.
The process is typically done in two appointments, with the first appointment being used to prepare the tooth for restoration and the second visit involving the bonding of the veneer.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that is used to repair damaged teeth. It is a permanent solution that looks and feels like a natural tooth and can be used to fix chipped teeth as well as other dental issues.
The process typically involves two visits — one for the preparation of the affected tooth and another for the final fitting of the crown. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and composite resin.
No matter how your chipped tooth happens, there are ways to fix it. From dental bonding to veneers to crowns, you have options when it comes to restoring your smile. Talk to your dentist today about what solution may be best for you.
Root Canal Therapy
Severely damaged teeth may require root canal treatment. This involves cleaning out any infected tissue inside the tooth and removing the damaged part. The root is then filled with special material, and a crown is applied to strengthen and protect the tooth.
How to Care for a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
Although a chipped or cracked tooth can be painful and disheartening, prompt and appropriate first aid can reduce the damage and provide relief.
- First, rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water to keep the affected area clean.
- For pain relief, take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever as directed by your pharmacist.
- If there is bleeding, apply a cotton ball soaked in green tea extract directly to the area for fifteen minutes.
- Avoid biting down on the area or eating anything until it has been examined by a dentist.
- If the damaged tooth has a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with sugarless chewing gum or dental wax to protect the soft tissues in your mouth.
If you have a chipped tooth, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible. There are a few different options for fixing a chipped tooth, and the best option will depend on the size and location of the chip.
If you are not sure what to do about your chipped or broken teeth, or if you would like more information about your treatment options, please contact My Local Dentists on (02) 9171 0840 for help. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you choose the best course of action for your individual situation so that you can soon light up the room with your bright smile again!
References
Dental Injury
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-injury
Using an Existing Crown to Repair a Damaged Cast Post and Core Restoration
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229817/
Enamel craze lines
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25233570/
Evaluation of the Effect of Green Tea Extract on the Prevention of Gingival Bleeding after Posterior Mandibular Teeth Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082946/
Emergency Dental
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/oral-health/visiting-the-dentist/emergency-dental