First Steps To Deal with a Chipped Tooth
Have you recently chipped a tooth? Read on to learn what to do after chipping a tooth. Several factors may lead to a chipped tooth, including decay and, more often, impact. This may be caused by physical activity, auto accidents, or even consuming hard foods. Even with healthy teeth, chips are occasionally inevitable. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, see a dentist immediately.
First steps to take after a chipped tooth occurs
Warm water should be used to rinse the mouth. This simple initial action may help keep irritants out of the region surrounding the tooth, remove any blood, and relieve discomfort. To minimize sensitivity to heat and cold, it is advisable to use warm water rather than hot or icy water.
The next step is to stop any bleeding and mitigate swelling. This can be accomplished by gently applying pressure on the tooth using clean gauze. Rinse and apply fresh gauze as needed. To minimize swelling, use an ice pack or cold compress on the area of your face where your tooth is chipped.
To decrease swelling and discomfort, use over-the-counter pain medication. If the patient is having trouble with bleeding, it is advisable to stay away from aspirin and other pain medications which may increase blood flow.
The remaining portion of the tooth must be safeguarded from additional damage or harm. If available, use dental cement to cover the tooth until a dental appointment is possible. Teeth that have been chipped create rough edges that may injure the tongue or cheeks. Apply dental wax to the chip's edges, if available, to smooth it out until the dentist can check. If dental wax is not close by, use sugarless chewing gum to cover the edge until the dental appointment.
Treatment for a chipped tooth
A dentist may opt to repair a tooth with a filling or bonding, depending on the extent of the break or chip. For teeth that are not as visible, a filling may be used. Composite bonding is generally used to fix a chipped or fractured tooth that is noticeable. Bonding can improve both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It utilizes a tooth-colored composite resin to recreate the contour of the tooth and can be made to match the shade of adjacent teeth and seem natural.
If a substantial portion of the tooth has been chipped away, a crown may be required. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that may be used to improve appearance and function. Because a dentist must design a shape that fits the tooth, a crown will require several visits.
Dealing with a chipped tooth?
It is advisable to go to the dentist as soon as possible after the event. Call the dentist and explain the extent of the damage and the circumstances to receive advice on the best treatment choice. A chipped tooth may become more severe over time. Prompt dental care can minimize pain, as well.
Request an appointment here: http://plainviewdental.com or call Plainview Dental at (516) 753-1776 for an appointment in our Plainview office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Chipped Tooth in Plainview, NY.
Recent Posts
Both general dentist and family dentists are responsible for the oral health care of patients of all ages. They provide a wide range of services, ranging from preventive measures to light cosmetic ones. Wondering whether it is best to see a general dentist or a family dentist? For the most part, they are quite similar! Keep…
Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth. The treatment aims to eliminate bacteria within the tooth's pulp and save a patient's natural teeth. After a tooth matures, it no longer requires the pulp for nourishment. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside, and seals it to prevent reinfection.Decay and…
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure. Although the idea of having a permanent tooth removed is unpleasant at any age, it is sometimes unavoidable. When it comes to the last set of molars, called the wisdom teeth, there are many common myths about them. These misconceptions can prevent people from getting the dental care…
Veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates, are a great way to fix tooth imperfections without getting fillings and crowns, which are procedures that can cost thousands of dollars. They are thin, porcelain shells that are glued to the front of your teeth, making them appear beautiful and healthy again. This article will discuss when…