How to Repair a Chipped Tooth
A dental emergency like a chipped or broken tooth can be a little scary, not to mention uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Thankfully, emergency dental services can help you find relief and get you taken care of the same day. Here are some of the most common ways dental professionals can repair a chipped tooth.
Repair a Chipped Tooth
You may not even notice a chipped tooth, particularly if it is not on a visible tooth. However, a chip will often leave a ragged area that can aggravate your tongue or cheek. These types of chips may be repaired with a filling .
If a chip is on a visible tooth, the dentist will probably use a bonding treatment. After prepping the surface of the tooth, the dentist will apply an adhesive gel. After it is shaped to look and feel natural, the gel is hardened with a blue light. If the chip is not severe, both of these repairs can be done with no pain or any numbing of the area.
How Does a Dentist Fix a Broken Tooth?
A broken tooth needs more immediate attention than a chip, as it can get infected and lead to an abscess and other oral health concerns.
Caps or crowns have come a long way and can be done in-office much more quickly than in years past. A temporary crown is often not necessary because dentists have the equipment to make a crown right in their office while you are in the chair. If a broken tooth is bad enough that the pulp of the tooth is exposed, a root canal may be necessary before the crown can be put in place.
Veneers are also an alternative for chipped or broken teeth, again, particularly in the case of visible teeth.
What You Can Do in a Dental Emergency
If a piece of hard candy or some other accident has caused you to break a tooth, there are some simple steps that you can take to keep you more comfortable and make the repair more successful.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and ease the pain.
- Save tooth fragments in milk or wet gauze. Do not let them dry out.
- If the tooth has fallen out with the root attached, do not touch the root.
- Cover remaining jagged or sharp edges with sugarless gum or wax to reduce further irritation to the mouth.
- Take an OTC pain reliever if necessary.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today
Chipped tooth, broken tooth, abscess, cavity, exam, cleaning, and more, South Temple Dental in Salt Lake City, UT is here to help. Call or fill out the online form to set up an appointment for your oral health care needs.
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