If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to take care of it right away. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are a few things you can do. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if you have a chipped or broken tooth.
Why does a tooth break?
There are a few reasons why teeth can break. One reason is due to an injury, such as falling or being hit in the mouth. Another reason is because of tooth decay. When a tooth decays, it weakens and becomes more susceptible to breaking. Lastly, grinding your teeth can also lead to a broken tooth.
What should I do if I have a chipped or broken tooth?
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, there are a few things you should do:
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Rinse your mouth with warm water.
As soon as you chip or break your tooth you should rinse your mouth out with warm water. This will help to clean the area and remove any debris.
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Apply a cold compress
A cold compress like a face washer should be applied to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
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Call your dentist
It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Many dentists often keep appointments available for these types of circumstances. At the dentist, they will assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
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Save any pieces of tooth
If your tooth is broken, it’s important to save any pieces that you may have. Rinse them off and bring them with you to the dentist.
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Take over-the-counter pain medication
If you are in pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen.
Do I need to see a dentist if I have a chipped tooth?
It is always best to see a dentist as soon as possible when you have any damage to your teeth. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of treatment. In some cases, a small chip may not require any treatment. However, if the tooth is broken or severely decayed, you may need a crown or other type of dental procedure.
Types of Treatments for a broken or chipped tooth
There are a few different types of treatments that your dentist may recommend depending on the extent of the damage to restore your smile.
Smoothing out the area
If you have a small chip, your dentist may be able to smooth out the area with a dental drill.
Filling
If the damage to the broken tooth is more extensive, you may need a filling.
Crowns
A crown is often the required treatment when the tooth is severely decayed or broken.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to repair a chipped tooth.
Dental Implant
This is a more extensive procedure that may be necessary if you have lost a tooth and need to replace that missing tooth to fill the gap and prevent misalignment.
Do you have a broken or chipped tooth? Contact Campbelltown Dental
Our team of experienced dentists will be able to assess the damage and provide you with the most appropriate treatment to restore your smile. Contact us today to book an appointment. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.
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