What To Do When You Chip Your Tooth

May 12, 2022, Robert Chang DDS Pasadena Dental Doc

Delaying the treatment will only worsen your case. The bacteria might slip in the cracks and cause infection or decay. The best course of action when having a chipped tooth is to see your dentist. Depending on your unique condition and needs, they’ll fix it with tooth restoration treatments, such as dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or implants. But if you have just chipped your tooth and are unsure about what to do, continue reading to find that out!

The course of action when you chip your tooth

Head to your dentist immediately when you damage your tooth. While going to the dentist, some quick reliefs will help reduce some swelling and pain. This includes taking an OTC pain reliever, rinsing the mouth with mouthwash, and applying an ice pack around the painful area to manage swelling and discomfort.

If your damaged tooth has resulted from a severe accident, please visit the nearest emergency room. That being said, here are some ways that the dentist can fix your chipped tooth.

1. Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding can fix minor and simple chips in your teeth. The procedure is straightforward and involves the application of a resin material over your chipped tooth. This way, the dentist creates a mold and then shapes it to look and feel exactly like the part of your tooth. The dentist will then use a special light to make the material hard. This procedure is the cheapest option but not so durable. After the treatment, nobody can tell you have a chipped tooth.

2. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be the proper treatment for slightly bigger chips. Veneers are porcelain covers placed on your tooth and require a slight removal of your tooth enamel to easily adhere. This treatment is long-lasting than tooth bonding and relatively cheap for one tooth. But you should look for other options when fixing multiple teeth.
 

3. Dental Crowns

Like veneers, dental crowns are also made of porcelain. But they surround the tooth entirely, unlike veneers placed over your tooth’s front side. Dental crowns are a good option when the chip is major, and you lose many tooth parts. Let your dentist know about your needs and goals. They will recommend the best type of crowns.
 

4. Dental Implants

Last but not least, dental implants are an excellent option when it comes to treating the most severe chips, and only a very tiny portion of your tooth remains intact. These implants provide a permanent solution to your chipped or missing teeth problem. It consists of a titanium post screwed into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Then, the dentist places an abutment and a crown that restores the tooth’s functionality and appearance. The procedure is time-consuming and costly but gives a lifelong solution to the problem.

If you suffer from a chipped tooth or a similar issue, please contact Gatewayfamilydental. Our Bakersfield, CA dentist is ready to help you!

Comments