Ways of Treating a Chipped Tooth

Tooth enamel may be hard, but it isn’t indestructible. Chipped or cracked teeth are a common experience. Sometimes, you get them just by biting down hard on a chunk of ice. When that happens, it is great to know simple ways of treating a chipped tooth.

Ideally, you should visit your local dentist as soon as you fracture, chip, or break a tooth. This way, you can prevent further damage that may lead to tooth loss or severe health risks.

Simple Ways of Treating Chipped Tooth at Home

The problem is sometimes you are unable to see a dentist as quickly as you need to. In these cases, knowing some ways of treating chipped tooth at home can be a life-saver. Some important tips for dealing with the problem include:

• Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or similar over-the-counter pills to relieve the pain.
• Reduce the possibility of infection by rinsing your mouth with saltwater.
• Eat softer foods, and don’t bite down on your chipped tooth to avoid making it worse.
• Use wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to protect your cheek and tongue from any sharp edges.

These are temporary remedies that will protect your mouth from further damage.

Causes of a Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth

What are the possible causes of your chipped tooth? There are at least five potential causes, including:

• Poor oral health care
• Biting down hard on an ice cube or hard candy
• Cavities that weaken your teeth
• Trauma to your mouth or face
• Bruxism, also known as excessive teeth grinding

If you want to avoid getting your teeth broken or chipped, make sure you avoid these potential hazards. Brush your teeth daily, floss, and mouthwash. Also, visit the dentist regularly to prevent any existing dental problems from getting worse.

Chipped Tooth Treatments

How do dentists repair a chipped tooth? The treatment depends on the extent of damage to your tooth. For minor cases, treating a chipped tooth should only take a single visit. But if the tooth is severely damaged or broken, the procedure will likely involve more than one visit.

Here are the standard ways that dentists fix a chipped or broken tooth:

• Bonding or Filling: If the damage is only a small piece of the tooth enamel, it may be fixed simply by applying a filling. The dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin on the damaged tooth to repair it. This procedure is known as bonding, a simple fix that does not even require anesthesia. First, the dentist uses a special liquid or gel to etch the teeth’s surface. Next, the dentist applies the adhesive substance and resin, which they hardened using ultraviolet light.
• Dental Crown or Cap: If you lost a big part of your tooth, the dentist might file the remaining tooth. The dentist then applies a dental crown or cap to protect what is left. Don’t worry because it can still function, and the dentist will make sure it has an improved appearance. If your chipped tooth has an exposed pulp, the dentist may need to remove it before capping it with a crown. This step is because the exposed flesh may develop an infection or get more damage.
• Dental Veneers: If only the front part of a tooth is chipped, a dental veneer may be the best solution. It will make your tooth look flawless and healthy thanks to the tooth-colored composite resin. The good thing with veneers is they match the client’s specific needs. As we customized them for you, they look and fit perfectly. The dentist applies dental veneer on your damaged tooth using special cement.

Treating a Chipped Tooth Is Easy

Although some ways of treating a chipped tooth can be administered at home, it is better to see your dentist. Be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Call Lovett Dental at 832-804-7427 today for your everyday oral health needs.