Chipping a tooth can come as an unwelcome surprise. Fortunately, cosmetic dentists have many ways to repair broken teeth. If you have never chipped a tooth before, chances are you have questions about when to visit the dentist, treatment options, and more. Let us dive into the most frequently asked questions about chipped teeth.
A badly chipped tooth is considered a dental emergency. For example, chips extending into the tooth's root warrant a trip to the emergency dental office. The same applies if the chipped tooth causes severe pain or discomfort, making it difficult to eat or sleep.
Not every chipped tooth is an emergency, however. If the chip is minor — such as a small chip not accompanied by tooth sensitivity, pain, or bleeding — there is no need to rush to the dentist that same day. These chips are cosmetic; they do not immediately threaten one’s health. However, the chip could get worse if left untreated. Book an appointment with our cosmetic dentist for chipped tooth repair as soon as possible.
The more severe the chip, the sooner the patient should seek dental treatment. Painful, severely chipped teeth should be examined by a dentist immediately. A dentist should immediately examine painful, severely chipped teeth. Do not leave a broken tooth untreated longer than necessary; a crack or similar damage could also accompany a small chip. If left untreated, tooth pain, gum tenderness, infection, and tooth loss could result.
Dental treatment is the only way to stop the pain of a chipped tooth. However, patients can ease the pain while they wait for their dental appointment by eating soft foods. Do not chew with the broken tooth. To relieve pain, gently rinse the mouth with salt water. It can also help to take an over-the-counter medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
No, fixing a chipped tooth without the help of a cosmetic dentist is not recommended. While it may seem possible to file down a minor chip on the front tooth, it could exacerbate the problem. For example, if a patient files too much of the tooth’s outer layer (enamel), they may remove too much and expose the tissue beneath (dentin). As a result, the tooth's integrity will be compromised, and more intensive tooth repair treatments will be necessary to restore the tooth's functionality.
A cosmetic dentist may repair small chips with dental bonding, which is a composite resin used to remedy tooth decay and minor imperfections. A small chip may also be filed down in the office. Dental crowns and veneers are a common treatment for more extensive chips. A root canal may be necessary if the tooth becomes infected. Dental implants can replace the extracted teeth if the chip is severe and results in tooth loss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Everett, MA
The correct treatment for a damaged tooth will depend on whether the chip is minor or affects the root of the tooth. Our team can assess the damage, then restore the patient’s smile. Visit our cosmetic dentist for effective tooth repair and restoration.
Request an appointment or call GK Dental PC at 617-826-6075 for an appointment in our Everett office.
A teeth whitening treatment from your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile. Over-the-counter dental whitening products may be available, but you will not have the results you want. Asking the right questions can give you a good idea of what you will get from this treatment. Here are some questions that you can ask your…
Dental contouring reshapes the teeth and improves one’s smile. A cosmetic dentist can contour chipped, cracked, and uneven teeth. Contouring can be used to fix misaligned teeth as well. Here are the basics of dental contouring, when to get it, how it works, and what to expect during the procedure.Dental contouring — also known as…
The cosmetic dentist can provide many procedures that can improve your smile. These treatments can correct many dental issues. Understanding how your dentist can enhance your teeth and gums will help you prepare for your upcoming appointment. Here are the ways your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile.This is a field of dentistry that can…
Cosmetic dental services are procedures people turn to when they want to improve the way their smile looks. Dentists can do various things to improve smile color, alignment, and proportions. This means those unhappy with their smile can do something about it. If you have considered cosmetic dentistry but want to know more, here is…
Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, it can be overwhelming to learn about the details of the entire process. In addition, it is normal to have questions about the procedure. This article will review the most commonly asked questions and help you determine if this procedure may be…