Chipping a tooth can be a shocking and sometimes unpleasant experience, whether it happened from biting down on a hard piece of candy, falling down, or injuring yourself in a sports accident. Knowing how to take care of a chipped tooth is a key part of minimizing your pain, and to ensure quick and effective treatment, make an appointment with a reputable Kingwood dentist.
What Should You Do After Chipping a Tooth?
- Evaluate the damage – You should first begin by figuring out the extent of the damage. You can do this by feeling around the inside of your mouth with your tongue carefully while looking in a mirror. Determine if it appears to be a smaller chip or a more severe chip accompanied by a crack. If the chip is small, you most likely will not feel much, if any pain, but a big chip with a crack typically causes pain and leaves sharp edges on the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth – Next, rinse your mouth with warm water. You can even add in some salt since salt water lessens the risk of infection and calms any soreness. Rinsing your mouth will help clean the inside of your mouth and can be especially helpful if your mouth is bleeding.
- Control any bleeding – If your mouth is bleeding, apply pressure using gauze or a clean cloth. This will help stop the bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress – A cold compress will help any swelling go down which will also help lessen any pain.
- Use dental wax for sharp edges – If the chipped tooth left a sharp edge, you can use some dental wax (commonly used with braces) to smooth the edge to prevent any more damage to the inside of the mouth.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you can – Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with any pain and swelling. Clove oil also helps since the eugenol in the oil numbs the area.
- Make a dental appointment – It is important to make an appointment to see your dentist after chipping a tooth. Even a small chip in a tooth can lead to further damage, so don’t skip this step. Visiting your local Kingwood dentist can ensure you get the care you need.
Which Teeth are More Likely to Chip or Crack?
The most common type of teeth to break are the molars on your lower jaw since the pointed cusps on them grind aggressively into the grooves of the molars at the top of your mouth. While these molars are the most common, all teeth can still break, crack, or chip.
Cracks in the teeth aren’t always visible. They can hide inside the tooth or hide below the gum line. This is why it is important to see a dentist, enabling them to determine the extent of the damage. Untreated damage can lead to root canals, tooth loss, or other complications due to infection.
What Kind of Treatment Options Are There for Chipped Teeth?
The suitable treatment option for a chipped tooth depends on how severe the chip is and where it’s located. Below are the most common treatments your dentist might advise:
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- Polishing – If the damage to your tooth is minor, the dentist can simply polish the surface of your tooth or smooth a broken or jagged edge. This process is also called cosmetic teeth contouring. This can usually be done in a single visit.
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- Bonding – Bonding is a quick and cost-effective treatment for minor chips. The process starts with the dentist roughing up the surface of the tooth, dabbing on a conditioning liquid, and applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the surface of the tooth. The dentist is then able to form the material into the correct shape. This can also usually be done in a single visit.
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- Dental veneers – Dental veneers are a possible option if you experienced a larger chip. These dental implements are essentially a fine shell of porcelain that is bonded to the front of your teeth. Dental veneers offer a long-lasting and natural-looking restoration.
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- Root canal and crown placement – If the chip or crack goes deeper than the surface of your tooth, it will require a more extensive repair. If it goes down into the pulp, it may require a root canal. This process involves removing any infected pulp, sanitizing the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the tooth. The next step is to place a crown on the tooth. This process will typically take place over several visits.
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- Extraction – Extractions are rare, but if a tooth is damaged beyond repair, then an extraction might be the only option. The larger the chip or the deeper the crack is, the more likely it is that you may need an extraction, especially if the crack goes below the gum line. After the extraction, the dentist will discuss options for tooth implants.
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If You Have Chipped a Tooth, Reach Out to Your Kingwood Dentist Today
Chipping a tooth can be bothersome and sometimes painful but taking care of it quickly can prevent it from getting worse. Follow the above steps to address the issue and consult with your local Kingwood dentist to determine how they can help maintain your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
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