You are chewing on ice or a hard sweet when all of a sudden, you feel something unexpected in your mouth—something that would not melt or dissolve. A sinking feeling smashes into you when you realize that it is a part of your tooth.
The top layer of a tooth that is enamel is unbreakable, despite it being the strongest and having the most minerals in your body but a fall, a hit to the face, or biting into something particularly hard if the tooth is already weakened by decay can lead to chipping or breaking. A chipped tooth is usually rather a dreadful experience. However, the good thing is that many ways can help you with your chipped tooth, which can even make your smile look perfect again.
In this blog we will describe how to fix a chipped tooth, treatment options and preventive measures to avoid future damage.
Common Causes Of Chipped Tooth
Chipped tooth can result due to various reasons which are as follows:
- Biting on Hard Foods: When you chew on hard substances, such as ice, hard candy, or kernels you are risking your teeth to breakage.
- Accidents and Falls: If you go through any accident such as a fall or a blow to the face they may cause dental injuries.
- Sports Injuries: Participation in sports such as football, basketball or boxing without the use of protective gear can make a person prone to chipped or missing teeth.
- Teeth Grinding: some people have a habit of teeth grinding that makes enamel weak which in turn leads to issues like chipping.
- Teeth for Decay and weak Enamel: Cavities and wearing down of the enamel make the teeth more prone to breakage.
How To Care For A Chipped Tooth?
If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, go visit your dentist at your earliest convenience. The longer you wait for the treatment, the more are the chances that further damage or infection will be developed, with the teeth even being extracted.
In the meantime you can take following self-care measures:
- In case your tooth undergoes pain, you can take acetaminophen or any other over-the-counter pain reliever, and gargle your mouth with salt water.
- If any sharp or jagged edges appear, you should cover it with wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to avoid cutting the tongue, lip, or cheek.
- It is better to consume only soft foods, and avoid biting with the broken tooth.
Treatment Options For A Chipped Tooth
Options of the treatment that gives best results depend on the severity of the chip. Below are some common treatments:
1. Dental Bonding Or Filling
Bonding is one of the commonly used repair methods specially for a small chip and when the tooth is visible.
The bonding or filling is the tooth-colored resin, which is made to match the color of the enamel so that it perfectly conceals the fault. This procedure is straightforward and painless. Your dentist will apply the resin, shape it, and finally, use the UV light to bind and finalize it in place.
2. Dental Cap or Crown
A large chip or one caused by decay can get fixed with a crown in case your dentist considers this option. It is the procedure of filling down the affected tooth and securing it with a cap (crown) so that the existing portion of the tooth is not damaged and it gets the natural look recovered.
The crowns are made of different materials such as resin, porcelain, and metal. The place of the chipped tooth will be the main hint in making the right decision. It takes longer than the dental binding and filling processes, but it is almost not painful, and most people get it done in 1-2 sessions.
3. Dental Veneers
If the front tooth happens to have a chip or a breakage, dental veneers are what can be called a standard treatment to achieve the same look and function, i.e., in other words, it would seem as though no damage were indeed done.
To prepare the tooth, your dentist will first extract a small layer of enamel (about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters) before taking an impression. A dental lab takes an impression of the tooth, then a custom-made veneer is constructed according to the specification by the dentist, in most cases within one and two weeks.
When everything is set, the dentist will prepare the tooth’s surface by means of a special solution, later on he will use cement to the veneer and will place it carefully on the tooth. After that special light is applied to harden the cement, thereby the veneer is secured to be successfully bonded to the tooth.
4. Root Canal Therapy
If your chipped tooth is of severe nature and has the pulp exposed – it may be necessary to do the root canal therapy by an endodontist. This situation may be so painful to the person concerned and, at the same time, the chances of another infection may also be increased. If this infection is left untreated there are more chances that you may lose your tooth.
During a procedure of a root canal, the pulp that is infected will be removed and the canal will be cleaned before it is sealed. Your tooth becomes weaker after this procedure, so the dentist may have to replace it with a crown to restore its strength and appearance.
Tips For Preventing Chipped Tooth
Prevention is the main thing to do to keep your teeth in good condition. below are some helpful tips:
- Avoid eating hard foods: Remember that when you eat you should always try to avoid any kind of hard food with your cracked tooth as it can lead to a fracture.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you clench your teeth or are a sportsperson, you should wear a mouthguard capable of fitting your jaw which will secure your teeth.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Tooth enamel is kept strong through the regular cleanings, flossing, and dental check-ups twice a day.
- Sugar and Acid Should Be Limited: These foods can cause enamel damage which will result in the teeth being more prone to becoming chipped.
- Use Teeth for Their Intended Purpose: Do not use your teeth to open packages or bite your nails as they are not the right tools for such actions.
- Stop Grinding Your Teeth: It is recommended to ask your dentist different ways to leave the habit of teeth grinding and use a night guard as a preventive measure, as the first step to managing this habit.
When To See A Dentist
If you notice any of the following symptoms, make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible:
- Recurring pain or sensitivity
- Sharp teeth parts with a potential risk of cutting your tongue or cheeks
- Redness, swelling or signs of infection.
- Redness, swelling or signs of infection.
- Possibly the person has the problem of speaking clearly or discomfort when biting.
Final Words – Fix Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth can certainly be a disheartening experience. But if you choose the appropriate treatment and follow the steps you can both smile again and have healthy, refreshing teeth. Whether the chip is small and needs bonding, or is an extensive crack that requires a crown or root canal, your dentist has the right solution to recommend to you. Meanwhile, make sure to regularly brush and maintain healthy teeth, try avoiding hard foods and use protection to secure the remaining teeth.
However, in case your tooth ache occurs during the night, suffers sharp edges or signs of an infection, do not ignore it, go straight to your dentist so that the dentist can treat it and also your teeth can become strong and healthy.
Read More : Top Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning for a Healthy Smile