A chipped tooth can happen at any time and can cause sensitivity or pain. No matter if it occurs because you bit something hard, there was an accident, or you have bruxism, you should see a professional. Understanding your choices for the cure of a chipped tooth will allow you to restore both function and form.
Failure to seriously consider a chipped tooth can lead to other complications, including infection, increased sensitivity, or structural compromise. Getting the problem fixed immediately and knowing the available treatment options can prevent these issues.
What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth
When you chip a tooth, taking action immediately can prevent further damage to your tooth. The following are the things that you should do:
- Rinse your mouth using warm water to rinse the chipped area.
- Save any fractured fragments of the tooth and keep them in milk or saline solution.
- Use a cold compress to minimize swelling if you feel pain.
- Don’t chew on the chipped tooth until you visit a periodontist.
- Use dental wax if the fractured edge is sharp against your tongue or cheek.
Receiving professional treatment right away ensures that your tooth is examined and treated properly. Failing to address a chip can lead to worse dental problems in the future. A minor chip alone can leave a tooth weak and vulnerable to further cracking.
Chipped Tooth Treatment Options
There are a few ways to repair a chipped tooth. The proper chipped tooth repair depends on the extent and size of the chip. A dental professional can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.
Some treatments involve small cosmetic corrections, while others require more substantial restoration. The sooner you get treatment, the greater the chance there is that a minimal intervention will be sufficient.
Dental Bonding for Minor Chips
For small chips, dental bonding is a cheap and quick fix. A tooth-colored resin is placed and shaped to restore the original tooth form before being hardened using a special light. This is a painless process that gets the tooth back to its original look with little effort.
Bonding is ideal for tiny chips that don’t affect the tooth’s strength. The material will blend in nicely with natural enamel, so it is a popular option. Bonding may not be as durable as other treatments, and it may need to be replaced someday.
Veneers for Cosmetic Repairs
If you can see the chip when smiling, veneers can improve appearance as well as function. Ultra-thin layers of porcelain shells are cemented over the surface of the front tooth and provide a permanent repair. Veneers do not stain and fit in with your other teeth flawlessly.
Veneers are a great choice for individuals who want a permanent cosmetic procedure. Not only do they repair chips, but they also improve the smile’s overall look. The procedure, however, requires the removal of a small amount of enamel, which makes it a permanent procedure.
Crowns for Large Chips
A larger chip may require a dental crown to cover and protect the tooth. Crowns reinforce the tooth’s strength and defend against future damage, which is why they are an excellent choice for larger fractures. These caps are created to fit over the entire tooth to provide maximum protection.
Crowns provide durability and full coverage, keeping the broken tooth in functional condition. Crowns are typically placed on molars or teeth that receive heavy stress during chewing. Several visits are needed, but it provides a permanent solution.
Root Canal for Severe Damage
If the damage includes the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal will be necessary. This entails the elimination of infected tissue before capping the tooth with a crown to restore its structure. A root canal prevents infection and keeps a natural tooth.
Deep chips exposing the inner pulp may be extremely sensitive and painful. If left unrepaired, there is a possibility of infection and the development of abscesses or tooth loss. A root canal may salvage the tooth and prevent future complications.
Tooth Contouring for Minor Flaws
For minor chips, tooth contouring smooths and re-sculpts the tooth surface. It is a simple procedure for minor imperfections that do not affect the tooth’s strength. It is a quick and painless method to improve the shape of a chipped tooth.
Tooth contouring suits people who have fewer cosmetic concerns. A thin portion of enamel is shaved away in this treatment to achieve a smoother form. It can suit but may not be suitable for deep or deeper chips.
Finding a Periodontist
When seeking treatment for a chipped tooth, it is important to find a periodontist near you. A professional will examine your condition and advise on the best repair option. Periodontists have the expertise to restore damaged teeth while maintaining future oral well-being.
A periodontist has a vast knowledge base in gum health and tooth reconstruction and is therefore the best bet for fixing a chipped tooth. They can also assess whether there are any root issues, such as gum disease or enamel wear, which might cause further damage.
Best Treatment for a Chipped Tooth
The best treatment for a chipped tooth will be based on the location and severity of the damage. Your situation will be assessed by a dental expert and treated accordingly with the best possible solution.
A small chip might be rectified by bonding or contouring. For medium damage, veneers can offer an aesthetic and functional solution. The larger chips would require a crown or root canal to prevent future issues.
There are cases in which several procedures must be performed to fully restore the tooth. Visiting a professional ensures that you receive the optimal treatment that is appropriate for your needs.
Preventing Future Chipped Teeth
Preventive actions can be taken to prevent chipping and fracturing of teeth. The following tips can help you maintain healthy teeth:
- Do not consume hard foods like ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels that may soften the teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard if you gnash your teeth or participate in a contact sport.
- Maintain strong and healthy teeth through good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
- Go to your periodontist for regular check-ups and avoid dental issues by identifying them at an early stage.
Proper care of the teeth avoids future dental issues as well as possibilities of major damages. Preventive care is the most important in maintaining healthy and strong teeth.
Schedule an Appointment for Chipped Tooth Repair
If your tooth is chipped, proper care is important. Waiting too long can cause the tooth to further deteriorate, become sensitive, or become infected. Having a professional who is skilled at chipped tooth repair options will have your tooth restored efficiently.
At Nima Ebrahimi DDS, we provide top-quality dental care to restore your smile. Call our periodontist in Los Angeles today to schedule an appointment and uncover the most effective solutions for your chipped tooth.