Chipped Tooth? We're Here to Help!

A chipped tooth can happen to anyone. You may bite down on something hard, fall and hit your mouth, or get injured while playing sports. Whatever the cause, a chipped tooth can be painful, embarrassing, and harmful to your oral health. But do not worry; a dentist can help.

A tooth chip can be a painful and annoying experience. Learning how to handle a chipped tooth, how a dentist may fix it, and how to prevent one in the future can all be helpful.

What to Do If You Chip a Tooth

If you chip a tooth, do not panic.

Follow the following steps to ease the pain and prevent further damage:

• Use warm water to rinse your mouth to clean the area and get rid of any debris

• If bleeding occurs, apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth

• Apply a cold compress to your lip or cheek to reduce swelling and pain

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

• Avoid hard or sticky foods that may worsen the chip or hurt your gums

• Cover the chipped tooth’s sharp edge with sugarless gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek

• Call your dentist to schedule an appointment. They will evaluate the damage and make recommendations for your best course of action

 

How We Can Fix Your Chipped Tooth

Your dentist may use one of these methods to repair your chipped tooth, depending on how big and where the chip is:
 

Dental Bonding

In a swift and straightforward procedure, dentists apply a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area, meticulously hardening it with a specialized light. This restores the shape and appearance of your tooth and protects it from further damage.
 

Dental Veneers

These thin shells of porcelain or composite cover the front surface of your tooth. They can hide chips, cracks, stains, and gaps and improve the look of your smile. They are custom-made to fit your tooth and bonded with a strong adhesive.
 

Dental Crowns

These are caps that cover the entire visible part of your tooth. They can repair large chips that affect the structure and function of your tooth. Dentists use metal, porcelain, or ceramic to make them and secure them in place with cement.
 

Dental Implants

These are artificial tooth roots that replace missing teeth. Dentists surgically insert them into the jawbone and top them with a crown or bridge. They can restore your bite and smile if you lose a tooth due to a severe chip or infection.
 

How to Prevent Chipping Your Tooth Again

Once the dentist fixes your chipped tooth, you want to keep it healthy and strong.

Here are some tips to prevent chipping your tooth again:
 

• Use a mouthguard for sports or activities that can hurt your mouth

• Do not bite or chew hard things like ice, pens, or nails

• Cut hard foods into small pieces before eating them

• Do not use your teeth as tools to open bottles, packages, or anything else

• Diligently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste—not just once but twice a day—and do not forget to floss

• Give your oral health the attention it deserves by scheduling regular dental visits for routine checkups

Conclusion

A chipped tooth can be a minor inconvenience or a major problem. But no matter how big or small the chip is, we are here to help. We have the skills, experience, and equipment to fix your chipped tooth and restore your smile. Don't let a chipped tooth ruin your day. Call us today, and let us take care of you.

For more dental care tips, visit Obeng Family Dental at our Port Orange, Florida office. Call (386) 761-9440 to schedule an appointment today.