For those who experience a chipped tooth, that could lead to significant pain, discomfort, and other dental problems. Treating a chipped tooth often involves a trip to the dentist. That way, they can assess the condition of your tooth and what treatment is necessary. It is impossible to treat a chipped tooth permanently without scheduling a trip to your dentist at Splendid Dental Woodlands.
Treating a Chipped Tooth at Home
If scheduling conflicts prevent you from visiting your dentist right away, there are some ways of treating a chipped tooth at home. They include:
- Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another over-the-counter pain reliever to help buffer any pain you might be experiencing.
- Help prevent the risk of infection by rinsing with salt water.
- If the chip has a sharp or jagged edge, use paraffin wax to protect your cheek and tongue.
- Avoid biting down on the chipped tooth and try to eat soft foods as often as possible.
What to Expect When Visiting Your Splendid Dental Woodlands Dentist
Your dentist has a significant amount of experience regarding treating a chipped tooth. They work hard to address the issue and prevent additional problems from occurring. They could accomplish this by:
- Bonding or filling: If there is a small chip in your tooth’s enamel, your dentist might be able to address this issue by applying a filling. When a patient’s front tooth experiences this kind of damage, it is not uncommon for dentists to use tooth-colored resin.
- Crowns or dental caps: When you lose a substantial portion of a tooth, that might mean your dentist must file away what is remaining of the tooth and apply a dental cap or crown. These caps and crowns are designed to improve aesthetic appearance, preserve function, and protect the tooth.
- Dental veneers: If you chip one of your front teeth, your dentist might use dental veneers to make it look flawless and healthy. These veneers are made from a tooth-colored composite or porcelain customized and created in a lab to match a patient’s needs.
- Root canal: When there is a severe chip in a tooth, it could expose blood vessels and nerves. As a result of that exposure, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause infection. Under these circumstances, your dentist or endodontist must save the tooth by performing a root canal.
Minor Ways for Treating a Chipped Tooth
Even if you believe the issues are minor, you must schedule an appointment with your Splendid Dental Woodlands dentist immediately. During that appointment, they might find that treating a chipped tooth is a minor procedure. For example, if there is not a significant amount of damage, they could polish the area where the chip is to make it more comfortable and improve your bite. This procedure is referred to as cosmetic contouring.
How to Prevent a Chipped Tooth
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that sports enthusiasts wear a mouthguard to help prevent oral injuries, including a chipped tooth. Other ways for preventing the need for treating a chipped tooth include:
- Avoid chewing on hard candies or ice cubes.
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Strengthen your tooth’s enamel by using remineralizing gels as part of your oral hygiene routine.
- Avoid eating foods that are high in acid, starch, or sugar to prevent enamel erosion.
Treat a Chipped Tooth at Splendid Dental Woodlands
Do you have concerns about your dentist treating a chipped tooth? Are you worried that you are not visiting your dentist soon enough? No one should have to experience these worries without the best support. Now is the time to contact Splendid Dental Woodlands at 713-587-9996 to help alleviate those concerns and learn what we can do to help.
