In case of a chipped tooth, there is no need to panic. Treatment options are available to alleviate your discomfort and enhance the appearance and functionality of your smile.
It is crucial to reach out to your dentist at Lux Dental promptly. Neglecting severely chipped teeth can lead to infections or complete breakage, making immediate professional intervention necessary.
Immediate Actions to Take for a Chipped Tooth
To start with, it's important to stay composed and evaluate the extent of the damage. Chipping a tooth can be distressing and frequently causes pain. Medium to large chips and fractures may also lead to bleeding and swelling.
If you experience a chipped tooth, adhere to these guidelines to limit damage and alleviate pain prior to your appointment with a Lux Dental dentist:
Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth: This will help wash away blood and potential irritants, while also providing relief for your pain. Opt for warm salt water, as the chipped tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
To stop the bleeding: Use gentle pressure on the tooth with a clean piece of gauze for 10 minutes or until the bleeding ceases. Replace with fresh gauze if necessary.
To reduce swelling: Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the area of your face near the chipped tooth can help decrease swelling.
Ensure the protection of your teeth, tongue, and cheeks: Chipped teeth may result in sharp edges that could potentially injure your tongue, gums, and cheeks, leading to increased discomfort and harm. Additionally, it is simple to exacerbate the existing damage to your chipped tooth.
Alleviating pain: In case the chipped tooth is causing discomfort, consider using acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another OTC pain reliever. Avoid taking aspirin as it can increase bleeding and hinder clotting.
Whenever feasible, retain the chip: On occasions, the dentist may be able to reattach chipped pieces back to the tooth. Therefore, it is advised to keep the chip in milk or saliva if achievable. Avoid placing it in water as it may lead to the tooth fragment drying out.
Refrain from eating: It is recommended to refrain from eating if possible. Your tooth is currently very delicate. Biting down on the tooth could exacerbate the chip or cause it to break completely.
Get in touch with your emergency dental care provider.
It is imperative to see your dentist promptly if you have chipped teeth, as this is considered a dental emergency. Swift treatment is necessary to prevent further harm. Delaying the examination and repair of the tooth increases the risk of infection or additional damage.
Various treatment options are available based on the extent and severity of the damage. Your dentist will assess the situation and suggest the most suitable procedure for your specific case.
If you are facing a dental emergency like a chipped or broken tooth, contact Lux Dental immediately at (604) 670-1256
Available Treatments for Teeth with Chips
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, there are multiple treatment options available. Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the most suitable repair method. While bonding is typically used for minor chips, extraction might be necessary for severely damaged teeth.
Now, let's explore the different treatment choices offered at Lux Dental:
Fillings: Chipped molars or back teeth that are less noticeable can be fixed with dental fillings.
Bonding: Dental bonding is a procedure used to address small or uncomplicated chips in the teeth. It entails the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected area. During this process, the dentist roughs up any remaining tooth enamel to ensure proper adhesion of the resin. Subsequently, the composite material is bonded to the tooth with the help of ultraviolet light, resulting in the creation of a protective barrier that resembles the natural tooth structure. Generally, bonding is expected to last for about ten years.
Crown or Cap: Another option is to place a dental crown over the tooth. Typically crafted from porcelain, these crowns cover the entire damaged tooth. Dental crowns are the preferred solution for severely cracked teeth with significant loss of the original tooth structure. They safeguard the tooth from further damage and help restore its functionality for chewing and speaking.
Veneers: Veneers involve bonding a custom-made thin layer of porcelain or composite resin to the front surface of your teeth.
Tooth Extraction: Your dentist will always consider tooth extractions as a final option. They will make every effort to preserve the tooth, but in cases of severe chips, fractures, or breaks, extraction may be necessary. If the damage extends beneath the gum line, extraction is likely to be recommended.
Visit Your Local Dentist: Lux Dental in downtown Vancouver
You need an experienced, attentive, and local dental team in your time of need. Lux Dental is ready to help. We are a trusted emergency dental office in Vancouver, equipped to handle a variety of dental emergencies.
Our emergency dentists provide same-day appointments and immediate care for chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. You can contact our compassionate and understanding office anytime.
Whatever your dental emergency is, call us now: (604) 670-1256
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