Did you chip your tooth? It’s vital to visit a dentist as soon as possible to avoid irreversible damage!
Although the enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body, its strength has limits. Falling, receiving a blow to the face, or biting down on something hard – particularly if a tooth already has some decay – can cause a tooth to chip or break.
Depending on how you chip, break or fracture your tooth, there are many ways your dentist can fix it.
If you’ve only chipped a small piece of enamel off of your tooth, your dentist will most likely repair the damage with a tooth filling. This is the same kind of a process you undergo to treat a cavity. The dentist will etch the surface of your tooth, apply an adhesive, and then apply the resin. Once the shape of the resin matches the curvature of your tooth, the dentist will harden it with ultraviolet light.
If one of your front teeth is chipped or broken, your dentist will likely move forward with applying a dental veneer. A veneer is like a shell that the dentist adheres to the front of your existing tooth. The veneer is either made from resin or porcelain, and it is specially created to match the shape and color of your tooth, so it is nearly indistinguishable from your healthy teeth.
The final option for the most severely broken teeth is a dental cap or crown. If you are missing a big portion of your tooth, your dentist will file away part of what remains and place a crown over it. A crown provides the best protection for your broken tooth.
Sometimes, the damage is so severe that the pulp within your tooth is exposed. If this is the case, you will have to get a root canal before getting your crown to avoid infection.
You should always see a dentist when you chip your tooth, but if you have to wait for a few hours before your dentist can see you, there are a few things you can do at home to keep the pain and infection at bay.
First, take over-the-counter pain medication. Then, rinse your mouth with salt water to kill bacteria and prevent infection. If the breakage is major or uneven, cover the tooth with sugar-free chewing gum to protect your cheeks and the tooth.
After you see your dentist, stick to eating soft foods for at least a few days, especially if you get a veneer or crown. Your dentist will tell you how much sensitivity you should expect in the days and weeks after your appointment.
If you’re experiencing a chipped tooth or dental emergency in the Macquarie Park area, call Marsfield Dental Clinic immediately on 02 9887 1961. We can help!
Disclaimer – This blog article does not constitute health advice from a dental professional. For more specific information, please seek an appointment with a dentist.
"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."
COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021
All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.
