Chipped Teeth Are Common
It’s not uncommon to experience a chipped tooth, as they are a common dental injury. In fact, the American Association of Endodontists reports that chipped teeth make up the majority of dental injuries. While it can be stressful to have a chipped tooth, it’s generally a minor issue that can be addressed through a variety of methods. If you live in Tonawanda and you’ve chipped a tooth, try to stay calm and focus on your breath. While not all chipped teeth require treatment, it’s important to visit a dentist to make sure you get the necessary treatment to restore and protect your teeth. Remember, it’s always best to seek professional dental care for a chipped tooth.
“According to the American Association of Endodontists, chipped teeth account for a majority of dental injuries.”
What To Do About a Chipped Tooth
If you have a chipped tooth, seeing a Tonawanda dentist as soon as possible is essential. This is the only way to properly fix the chipped tooth. In the meantime, there are a few steps you can take to address pain and protect your tooth and mouth from further injury. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean it, applying pressure to stop any bleeding, and using a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you have any pieces of the chipped tooth, be sure to save them and wrap them in wet gauze to bring to your dentist. You can also use over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and discomfort until you can see your dentist. Remember to take care of your chipped tooth as soon as possible to avoid worsening the problem.
Chipped Tooth in a Child vs. Adult
Both adults and children can experience a chipped tooth, but there are different considerations for each. Chipped primary teeth, or baby teeth, are particularly common in children. When treating a chipped primary tooth in a child, the main concern is protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath. Children’s permanent teeth are not fully formed, so it’s important to see a dentist for treatment as soon as possible if a child’s primary tooth is chipped. For adults, the main concern is typically repairing the damaged tooth and preventing further issues. Regardless of whether a chipped tooth occurs in a child or adult, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment.
“According to the American Association of Endodontists, chipped teeth account for a majority of dental injuries.”
Repairing a Chipped Tooth
There are several ways our dentists in Tonawanda can repair a chipped tooth, depending on the extent of the damage and the specific needs of the patient. If the chipped piece is small, our dentist may be able to reattach it. For minor chips, cosmetic contouring or smoothing a jagged edge may be all that’s needed. Other options include veneers to cover the chip or dental bonding to fill in missing tooth structure. If the chip goes below the surface of the tooth, more extensive repair may be required, such as a root canal or extraction. A root canal is necessary when the damage affects the pulp and causes infection, while extraction is a last resort when a root canal is not sufficient to save the tooth. If you have a chipped tooth, contact our Tonawanda dental clinic to find out which repair options are available to you.
Maintaining a Treated Chipped Tooth
To ensure the success of treatment for a chipped tooth, it’s important to maintain a good oral care routine after the repair. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Be sure to follow all after-care instructions provided by our dentist to take care of the repaired tooth and prevent further damage. You should also avoid biting down on the treated tooth and refrain from chewing on hard foods and objects. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments and schedule regular dental check-ups to allow our dentist to check the repair and ensure your overall oral health is in good condition. By taking care of your treated chipped tooth and following these maintenance tips, you can help prevent future chips from occurring.
“After treatment for a chipped tooth, patients must maintain a regular oral care routine.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dentist can diagnose a chipped tooth by visibly inspecting the patient’s mouth. They will also ask about any symptoms and the event that may have caused the chip. Sometimes determining the extent of the damage can be difficult and may require the use of magnifying glasses, X-rays, or other tests.
First, our dentist will take a mold of the patient's tooth to create the veneer. Then we will clean the patient's tooth and use dental cement to bond the veneer to the tooth. An ultraviolet light hardens the cement quickly, and the patient can leave the office with their improved smile.