A chipped tooth can be a big problem in many ways. For some people, a chip in the tooth can be a reason to feel self-conscious about their smile. For others, a chipped tooth can lead to infection. If you’ve chipped your tooth, it’s important to be examined by your dentist, even if the chip is painless.
Caring for Your Tooth
If your broken tooth hurts, over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate your pain temporarily until you’re able to see the dentist. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also help. Eat soft foods until you’re able to see the dentist to avoid doing further damage.
If you’re worried about cutting the inside of your mouth with a jagged edge, paraffin wax can prevent this problem until you’re able to see the dentist.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options
Treatment for a broken tooth depends on the scope of the problem.
Dental Bonding. Dental bonding is a composite material that attaches to the tooth enamel to fill in gaps, chips, and damage. Dental bonding is color-matched to the surrounding teeth to keep your smile whole and beautiful. It’s long-lasting, durable, and maybe a good solution if your chipped tooth is not too deep.
Dental Crown. A dental crown is a protective cover that fits over the tooth enamel to prevent it from breaking further. Dental crowns can be tooth-colored or metal and can last a very long time. Each crown is custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth, which means that your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to order your crown from a lab. Your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.
Veneers. A dental veneer is a cover that fits over your tooth to hide cosmetic damage. If your chipped tooth isn’t in danger of becoming infected, a dental veneer could be a good option. If you feel self-conscious about the way you look with a chipped tooth, a dental veneer can restore your smile to its original beauty.
Root Canal. If the break in your tooth is deep enough that the pulp inside your tooth has become infected, then your dentist will need to perform a root canal. This is an emergency procedure that cleans out the infection and saves the tooth from extraction. After the root canal is performed, your dentist will seal the tooth and put a crown over the top.
Broken or Knocked Out Teeth
If you’ve knocked out a tooth, hold the tooth by the crown and reinsert it back into the hole in the jaw. Call the dentist as soon as possible and let them know you’re on your way. If you’re able to see the dentist fast enough, your dentist may be able to restore the tooth. If you’re not able to reach your dentist, seek medical attention as needed.
Did You Break a Tooth? Contact Your Dentist in Tampa
Get help for your broken tooth! Contact Weninger Dentistry to get treatment today.