Chipped a Tooth? Here Are Your Best Options
Millions of Americans have experienced that feeling of panic that settles in when they realize they’ve chipped a tooth. Sometimes it happens due to brunt force impact from a fall or other accident. At other times, a tooth can chip from something as simple as biting down on an unexpectedly hard piece of food. In every instance, however, the sudden shock of seeing a broken piece of tooth emerge from your mouth can definitely be unsettling. If that’s happened to you, then it’s important to know your options for dealing with a chipped tooth.
Minimize Further Damage
The first thing you should do is work to minimize any additional damage. The two main risks posed by a chipped tooth are infection and the possibility of more breakage. That latter risk is even more prevalent when the break leaves behind sharp edges that could leave the tooth weaker than it should be. The following precautions can help you avoid even worse problems:
- Begin by rinsing your mouth, using a lukewarm saltwater mixture. The goal here is to cleanse the affected area to minimize any potential infection.
- Check to see if the broken tooth has left behind any sharp edges or uneven spots. If so, use dental wax to better protect the area and ensure that those edges don’t suffer additional damage or cut your tongue or lip.
- Avoid chewing on that tooth until you can get dental assistance. Wherever possible, avoid hard foods until the tooth has been repaired.
- Immediately contact your dentist to make an appointment. The quicker you can get into the dental office, the sooner you can get your tooth restored.
Deal with the Immediate Pain
There may be some pain associated with a chipped tooth. If so, you can use some over-the-counter pain medication to suppress the symptoms. If you’re unsure about which medications to choose, consult with your dentist or doctor.
Know Your Dental Options
Finally, understand your dental options. Modern dentistry provides many choices for repairing tooth damage and restoring full dental function. Here are the most common treatment options for patients suffering from a chipped tooth:
Dental Fillings: Most small breaks can be repaired using fillings. Bonding may be necessary for chips in the more visible front teeth.
Dental Veneers: For some minor front tooth damage, veneers are a great way to mask any imperfections and restore your perfect smile.
Crowns and Caps: For larger breaks, fillings and veneers may be impractical. A crown or cap may be the best option in those instances.
Of course, the most serious damage may require a root canal to fully restore form and function. That’s true in many instances where the pulp has been left exposed by the break.
The good news is that there’s no need to panic when you experience a chipped tooth. Modern dental techniques have provided many solutions for correcting these dental accidents. For more details, call the best dentist in midtown Manhattan today. The staff at Ebenezer Dental will be happy to schedule an appointment and get you the dental care you need.