How to Fix a Chipped Tooth
You may be surprised to hear that the top layer of the teeth is the hardest tissue in the entire body. However, this layer, called tooth enamel, is not indestructible. In fact, it is pretty common for the enamel to chip or crack in the process of everyday living. Many people experience a chip or cracked tooth from chewing on ice or a piece of candy. If this happens to you, it is important to know what steps you should take to fix your chipped tooth. Acting quickly will help ensure you preserve your tooth and avoid any unwanted damage or infection.
What to Do for a Chipped Tooth
If your tooth is chipped, broken or fractured, the best first step is to contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist will help you assess if the accident requires emergency services, or if you can wait a day or two for a repair appointment. If you don’t talk with your dentist, and you wait until making an appointment is more convenient, your tooth could become even more damaged, or could become infected. A tooth infection can result in serious health risks.
Next Steps to Fixing a Chipped Tooth
If you speak with your dentist and they recommend waiting until an appointment is available, there are steps you can take at home to help preserve your tooth and avoid further damage, including:
- Pain reduction: Try taking over the counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if you are experiencing pain.
- Clean your mouth: Keep your mouth clean by rinsing with saltwater to reduce the risk of infection.
- Reduce risk of injury: If the damaged tooth has a jagged or sharp edge, try covering it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax to protect your cheek and mouth tissues.
- Reduce risk of further damage: When you need to eat, select softer foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth.
How Do Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth?
How your dentist decides to treat your chipped or broken tooth will depend on the severity of the damage. If just a small portion of enamel has broken off, your dentist will likely be able to repair the tooth in a single visit using a dental bonding treatment. However, if your tooth is more badly damaged, the repair may require a costlier and more involved procedure. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available today to repair a broken or chipped tooth, meaning your dentist will help you find the right treatment option for you. Some individuals use a broken tooth as an opportunity to invest in a restorative treatment to improve the overall appearance of the tooth, or to completely replace the tooth. Here are some of the most popular treatment options available to fix a chipped or broken tooth include:
- Dental Filling or Bonding: Applying filling or bonding is a quick fix for a relatively minor chip or crack. The procedure is quick, effective, and minimally invasive
- Veneer or Crown: A veneer or crown can be custom-made to cover the front or the top of the damaged tooth. Veneers are caps that improve the overall appearance of the tooth, while a crown is a cover that can help preserve the function of the tooth and improve the appearance.