Fix Chipped Teeth

Despite being the hardest tissue in the human body, tooth enamel is not indestructible.  Whether the result of trauma or biting into a hard piece of food, chipping or cracking a tooth is very common.  When this happens, patients need to know ways to preserve the tooth while avoiding serious discomfort or pain.

Anyone suffering from a chipped, fractured, or broken tooth should always contact their local dentist as quickly as possible.  Failure to address the situation could lead to further damage, infection, tooth loss, or serious health problems.

This article will address some of the ways patients can manage a chipped tooth at home as well as the typical treatment options dentists may use.

Fixing a Chipped Tooth:  Home Remedies

Should the patient not be able to see a dentist right away, the following at-home steps can be taken in the interim:

  • Reduce pain or discomfort using pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Lower the risk of infection by periodically rinsing the mouth with salt water.
  • Cover any jagged or sharp tooth edges with paraffin wax to protect the cheek and tongue.
  • When eating, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing around the damaged area.
  • Use Dentemp to temporarily treat the chipped tooth.  Dentemp is available at most pharmacies and drugstores.

Chipped Tooth Treatment Options Dentists Use

How the dentist ultimately treats a chipped or damaged tooth depends on the extent of the damage.  Should only a small area of the enamel be damaged, the dentist can likely correct the tooth in one visit.  However, if the damage is extensive, a more involved and costlier procedure may be needed which could necessitate multiple office visits.

The following are some treatment options the dentist may recommend to correct a chipped or damaged tooth:

  • Fillings or Bonding:  When only a small portion of enamel has chipped away, the dentist may be able to correct the affected area by applying a filling or bonding.  The dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin, called dental bonding, if the damage occurred to a front tooth.  Bonding procedures are fairly simple and because they are not painless, no anesthetic is required.  To place the resin, the dentist first etches the tooth surface using an acidic liquid or gel.  Then, an adhesive is placed followed by the composite resin.  Once the resin is properly shaped, the material is hardened using a high-intensity light.
  • Dental Veneers:  Also used primarily on front teeth, dentists use dental veneers to restore appearances.  Custom made to patient specifications and tooth color, veneers are thin shells that are applied over the surface of the natural tooth using a special adhesive cement.
  • Dental Crown or Cap:  When an extensive portion of the tooth has been lost, the dentist may opt for filing away a portion of the remaining tooth and covering it with a crown.  The crown is designed to protect the tooth, improve cosmetic appearances, and preserve functionality.  Should the damage to the tooth expose its inner pulp, infection can occur which the dentist may remedy through a root canal therapy.  During root canal, any infection is first removed before a crown is placed over the tooth.

Regardless of the extent of a chipped tooth, it is vital to contact a dentist as soon as possible.

More Information on Fixing Teeth : Fix Cracked Teeth