Whether you were chewing on something hard or were in an accident, your teeth can easily get damaged. Sometimes it’s as small as a chip, and other times it can be an entire break. Despite your teeth being extremely strong, there is a limit to the amount of pressure they can withstand. You may wonder what type of treatment you will need as repairing damaged teeth is different based on the unique injury. Below you will find out what to do if you find yourself in the position of having a chipped or broken tooth.
Steps to Take If Your Tooth Is Damaged
If your tooth has broken off or chipped, contact your dentist as soon as possible. The issue will not go away and can often lead to bigger issues if it is left untreated. It can even lead to the spread of an infection and tooth loss. Take the following steps if you have a damaged tooth.
Relieve Pain:
After you have called your dentist, take care of yourself in the meantime. If the dentist has urged you to come in immediately, follow their instructions. However, if you have some time between now and your appointment, take some over-the-counter medication if you are experiencing any pain. Acetaminophen is helpful as it can reduce your pain and allow you to apply a cold compress to the area where your tooth was damaged in case there is any swelling.
Rinse and Protect:
No matter how severe the damage, a saltwater rinse can help clean out your mouth and reduce your risk of infection. If the damaged tooth is jagged or sharp, cover that area with special wax or even sugarless gum. This can help reduce the risk of cutting your tongue or the inside of your mouth.
Food and Drink:
Focus on eating soft foods that won’t require a lot of chewing or breaking down. It’s also important to stay away from sugary and processed foods as they can penetrate the damaged tooth much faster if the enamel has been damaged. Focus on foods and drinks that are room temperature as hot and cold temperatures may exacerbate your pain.
Treatment Options
One of the most effective treatment options for a chipped tooth is dental crowns. Crowns are dental covers or caps that surround and protect your damaged tooth. Whether the infection was due to an accident or infection, they can ensure that your tooth stays healthy and is protected from further damage. Crowns in Encino also help restore the look of your smile as they are shaped just like your natural tooth and are also made of material that looks just like the rest of your teeth.
Repairing Damaged Teeth
If your tooth damage is less complicated and just involves a small chip, your dentist will likely suggest dental bonding. Bonding is a procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to fill in where the chip is. It’s a really fast and simple procedure. The dentist will etch the surface area to roughen it and ensure the bonding material will stick. Then, we apply the bonding material is applied. Shortly after that, we cover it with tooth-colored resin. The bonding will look just like your natural tooth, so the prior damage will not be visible.
Dentist in Encino
Dr. Marian Yassa at Encino Family Dental has worked with families on their dental health for years. She has worked with patients who have a wide variety of dental issues, including chipped teeth that require bonding. Dr. Yassa and her team at Encino Family Dental are eager to help you get back to smiling with confidence again. Contact the best dentist in Encino today for an appointment!
