Maybe you bit down too hard on a nut. Or maybe you noticed part of your teeth missing this morning while brushing. Maybe you even got hit in the face and noticed a piece of your tooth fly out of your mouth. No matter how it happened, if you’ve just chipped your tooth, don’t worry – you’re not alone. It’s a common problem, and there are several ways to fix it. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to make sure your tooth gets fixed as soon as possible. We’ll also give you a few options for how dentists fix chipped teeth. So read on and find out what to do if you chip your tooth!
What to Do
When you first chip a tooth, you may be unsure of what to do next. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here are a few things you should do if you’ve just chipped your tooth:
Locate Tooth Fragments:
If you can find the pieces of your tooth, save them! They may be able to be reattached by your dentist. Be sure to keep any tooth fragments damp in a paper towel that has been soaked in milk or water.
Take Over the Counter Pain Medication:
If your tooth is causing you pain and you cannot see your dentist right away, take ibuprofen or another over the counter pain medication. This will help to ease any discomfort you’re feeling until you can see the dentist.
Use Ice if Necessary:
You may also want to use ice to reduce pain and swelling in the area around your chipped tooth. Apply ice to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Do this as often as necessary until you can see the dentist.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth:
Depending on the location and extent of your chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend one of the following options for fixing a chipped tooth:
Dental Bonding
One popular option your dentist may recommend for fixing a chipped tooth is dental bonding. This is when a tooth-colored resin is used to fill in the chipped area. The resin is then hardened with a special light, and finally shaped and polished to match your natural tooth.
Veneers
Another option for fixing a chipped tooth is veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to fix a chipped tooth as well as other dental problems, such as teeth that are stained or misshapen.
Crowns
A third option for fixing a chipped tooth is a crown. A crown is a “cap” that is placed over the entire surface of your tooth. Crowns can be made from different materials, such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic. However, many dentists opt for porcelain or ceramic due to its strength and natural appearance.
Dental Implants
A fourth option for fixing a chipped tooth is a dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. Once the post has healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is then placed on top of the post. This option is generally only used if the damage is substantial and cannot be fixed with other methods.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve walked you through the steps to take if you’ve just chipped your tooth. We’ve also given you a few options for how dentists fix chipped teeth. No matter which option you and your dentist choose, fixing a chipped tooth is an important way to maintain your oral health. Be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible after you’ve chipped your tooth, so they can determine the best course of action for you. Thanks for reading!
