How to Fix a Chipped Tooth: What to Do When You Have Dental Damage?

Is your tooth chipped? This can actually happen to you anytime and anywhere. You might damage your teeth because of an accident, while biting something hard, or due to everyday wear and tear. Without timely intervention, you might experience pain, sensitivity, and even further damage.

Read this blog to understand why you need emergency care for sudden dental issues like this.

What Should You Do Right After Chipping A Tooth?

Are you panicking after chipping your tooth? Well, first, you must calm down. Here are some steps you can take to prevent further damage:

• Rinse your mouth with some water to remove any possible debris and bacteria.
• You can save the broken tooth pieces for your dentist. They might be able to reattach them.
• Bleeding excessively? Gently apply gauze to your affected area to control the bleeding.
• You can use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and numb pain.
• Avoid chewing food items with your damaged tooth at all costs. You might break it even more.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care For Chipped Teeth?

You might not need urgent care for minor dental chips. However, it is always a good idea to see an emergency dentist for your oral health. Here are the signs of a dental emergency:

• Severe chipping is usually accompanied by severe pain and sensitivity. Only a dentist can reduce your suffering.
• A deep fracture or sharp edges could injure your mouth and put you at risk of infection.
• If you are already experiencing signs of infection like swelling, redness, etc., it’s time for you to seek emergency dental care.
• You must seek professional care if you are having issues with eating and speaking because of your chipped teeth.

Delaying treatment will only complicate your situation and weaken your tooth even more.

What Are The Treatment Options For Chipped Tooth?

According to studies, almost 22% of older adolescents end up chipping their teeth. Here are some treatment options that the dentist might use while providing you with emergency care for chipped teeth:

• For very minor chips, the dentist might use simple methods like dental binding or enamel reshaping to smooth out the rough edges.
• You might need more extensive treatments like veneers or dental fillings of moderate chipping. They can restore your tooth’s function and looks.
• In case of severe teeth chipping, you might require dental crowns. If infections have reached your tooth pulp, only a root canal can keep your natural tooth intact.
• Is your tooth completely damaged? The dentist might extract your infected tooth to protect the rest of your mouth.

How Can You Prevent Future Tooth Damage?

Scared of damaging your tooth again? There are some proactive steps that you can take to avoid the hassle of tooth chipping in the future. Try not to bite on hard objects like ice, pens, and fingernails. If you play sports or suffer from tooth grinding, wear mouthguards to protect your teeth.

A good oral hygiene can make your teeth strong. So, everyday wear and tear won’t be able to harm their integrity that easily.

A chipped tooth can cause you inconvenience and pain. Prompt action can help you prevent further damage and complications. Whether your damage is severe or minor, seeking dental care can protect you from further damage. Find a qualified dentist to take care of your dental emergencies.

Are you ready to fix your tooth? Contact us for a consultation.