A chipped tooth can happen abruptly, either by biting on something hard, an accident, or a blow to the mouth during sports. Even a small chip can hurt your smile, be painful, and lead to other dental issues.
Understanding how to fix a chipped tooth can help you take the right steps to restore function as well as appearance. The following guide explains what to do if you chip your tooth and explores potential methods to regain your smile.
Why You May Have a Chipped Tooth
You may chip a tooth for several reasons, such as:
- Biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy
- Accidents, falls, or sports injuries
- Grinding teeth, which wears away the enamel over time
- Tooth decay, which makes teeth weak
- Sudden temperature changes from hot and cold foods
Regardless of the cause, visiting a dentist for proper treatment is important to prevent further damage.
What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth
If you have chipped a tooth, taking immediate action can save it until you see a dentist in Kitchener for proper treatment.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Preserve any fractured pieces and store them in milk or water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling or discomfort.
- Skip hard foods to prevent further damage.
- Cover sharp edges with sugarless gum or dental wax, if needed.
Following these actions will help alleviate pain and prevent complications until treatment.
Chipped Tooth Treatment Options
The best way to fix a chipped tooth will depend on the size and position of the chip. Dentists offer many solutions for fixing your tooth structure and appearance.
1. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective solution for minor chips. A tooth-coloured resin is applied to the area to be fixed, shaped to the form of the tooth, and hardened with a special light.
This treatment also goes well with natural teeth and is completed within one visit. It is also a suitable option for small chips that do not affect the strength of the entire tooth.
2. Veneers for Cosmetic Corrections
When there are severe or visible chips, veneers are a solution that lasts long. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the front surface of the tooth, covering flaws and providing a natural look.
Veneers not only repair chips but also make teeth look better overall, so they are
the go-to beauty treatment
3. Dental Crowns for Highly Damaged Teeth
If a major part of a tooth is broken, the tooth may need a dental crown.
A crown is a carefully constructed cap that is placed on top of the entire tooth to give it its original shape, strength, and functionality.
This is often recommended when a chip has damaged the tooth or masticating ability. Crowns provide long-term durability and coverage.
Learning Dental Solutions for Chipped Teeth
Dentists check each chipped tooth to determine what would be most worthwhile to do. The best treatment depends on such considerations as:
- The size of the chip
- The position of the damage
- The overall condition of the tooth
Depending upon these considerations, your dentist may recommend bonding, veneers, or a crown to restore the tooth properly.
Risks of Not Treating a Chipped Tooth
A small chip does not sound so bad, yet neglecting the chip can bring about problems such as:
- Exaggerated sensitivity to hot and cold
- Uncomfortable, sharp edges which can chafe the tongue and cheeks
- Crumbling and breaking of the tooth further down the line
- Risk of decay or infection if the inner tooth structure is exposed
To avoid such problems, it is always better to visit a dentist nearby right away.
Avoiding Chipped Teeth in the Future
Even when accidents can’t be avoided, different ways can minimize the risk of chipping a tooth:
- Do not bite on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports to cushion teeth from blows.
- Treat the grinding of teeth by wearing a nightguard if necessary.
- Keep enamel strong with good oral hygiene and diet.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to detect any weakening of enamel or to catch it early.
These precautions can prevent damage to your teeth and make them stronger.
Restore Your Smile with Professional Care
A chipped tooth can be easily and efficiently restored with proper treatment. Whether bonding, veneers, or a crown is necessary, proper care can get both the strength and the look of your tooth back to normal.
If you have chipped a tooth, come to Laurentian Dental Centre for professional attention. Book an appointment today with a dentist near you and get your confident smile back.