You can
chip your tooth at any time due to a number of causes. Is this an emergency? What's the best course of action when you've chipped a tooth?
After chipping a tooth, the first action to take is to clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water. Next, you should apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. When that's done, get in touch with a dentist.
There are a few options for addressing a chipped tooth. Dr. Lechner will be able to can find the
best solution for your situation. Here are some of the options and a brief description.
Tooth Bonding
Your dentist carefully fills the area that was chipped with a tooth-colored resin. The tooth that was damaged will be identical to all of the other teeth afterward.
Tooth Reshaping
The dentist will remove a minor amount of the enamel of the chipped tooth, and the surface will be smoothed, making it look as though the tooth had never been damaged. Tooth contouring is used for minor chips. This method isn't an option to treat significant damage.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are sturdy, thin coverings which can be adhered to the front of the tooth that is chipped, covering any damage, improving the strength of the tooth as well as the appearance. They have the benefit of adding additional protection to the tooth.
Crowns
Made to feel and look just like the patient's real tooth, dental crowns can address any chips by covering the visible part of the tooth. A dental crown is essentially a cap made to look like a tooth which protects the tooth from additional trauma.
Here are some common ways people chip their teeth.
- Chewing something hard
- Tooth decay
- Using their teeth as a tool
- Grinding their teeth
- Chipped on a water fountain
- Undergoing intubation
- Car accidents
If you've chipped your tooth, be sure to
call us as soon as you are able.