Most people know that if they brush their teeth twice a day, floss every day and as needed, they will most likely not have any unexpected tooth problems. But when it comes to chipping a tooth by accidentally biting your fork or after taking a spill, you may be at a loss of what to do.  You may find yourself typing in your favorite search engine, “I chipped a tooth, what should I do?” Fortunately, there are some solid steps you can take to remedy the situation in most cases.

The absolute first step is to call your dentist and schedule an appointment. Whether you have immediate pain or a twinge when drinking hot or cold drinks, you want experienced eyes on your tooth to determine treatment, ease your concerns, and quickly find the best solution for your chipped tooth.

Treatment

• For a chipped tooth that is tiny and just on the corner of a tooth, most of the time, your dentist will not do anything for this kind of chip unless you want it covered with a restorative dental procedure. It doesn’t necessarily get worse over time though if the edge is sharp, you can get a dental wax to apply to the tooth until you can get the care you need from your dentist.
• For milder chips, the same resin or glue used for tooth-colored fillings can be applied to the surface of the tooth to restore the length and shape. This same process is common when getting composite veneers.
• If the part of the tooth that broke off is found and immediately rinsed in lukewarm water, it is possible that your dentist can glue it back in place with hardly any sign of the fracture.
• If the break goes beyond the enamel and into the root, a root canal may be necessary to extract the damaged tissue.

Other treatment options to fully restore your smile include:

Porcelain Veneers– They are an excellent option for people who have broken, cracked, short, misshapen teeth. Porcelain veneers are thin and are attached to the front of the tooth, concealing imperfections and giving you a life-long perfect smile.

Restorations– Similarly to the veneers, porcelain can be used as a discrete, less allergic-inducing, heat-resistant crown.

Esthetic Bonding– For fast solutions to cracked, discolored, and gapped teeth, esthetic bonding can be placed on the teeth to conceal these minor imperfections.

Don’t hesitate to call

While waiting for your dentist appointment in the event that your chipped tooth is not a dental emergency, be sure to:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water to alleviate pain due to the chipped tooth and any other trauma to the mouth.
• Do your best to keep food away from the chipped tooth
• Keep cold and hot liquids from getting near your chipped tooth which may cause pain
• Apply a cold compress to your mouth where the chipped tooth is located to help with swelling
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

Seeing your dentist as soon as possible could be the difference in saving your tooth or losing it, depending on where the fracture is and if the gums were also damaged. If you wait too long, the chip could become more painful.

If you live in Wheeling or Lake in the Hills, IL, give Aristo Dental a call today if you have chipped a tooth and need an experienced, friendly dental staff to help you decide on the best treatment option.