WHAT TO DO IF YOU CHIP A TOOTH
A cosmetic dentist can repair a chipped or broken tooth quickly and easily, but it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage. If you or your child suffers an injury that results in a chipped or broken tooth, knowing what to do ahead of time can save you pain and money. If you have a chipped tooth, visit a dentist near Naples for dental care.
Try Home Remedies While Waiting for a Dentist Appointment
Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, to avoid infection or further damage to the tooth. If you are in pain, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Regularly rinse your mouth out with warm salt water. If the chipped tooth has rough edges that might injure your mouth, cover the edges with paraffin wax or a piece of chewing gum. Only consume soft foods until your tooth is repaired.
Visit a Dentist as Soon as Possible
The treatment option your dentist chooses will depend upon how badly your tooth is damaged. If only a small piece of the tooth has broken off, he will be able to repair it in one office visit. If the tooth is badly chipped, you may need a more extensive cosmetic procedure. Your dentist will evaluate the damage to your tooth and help you choose the most appropriate way to repair it.
Repair the Tooth
If only a small piece of your tooth is missing, your dentist may opt to repair it with a filling. If you have chipped one of your front teeth, your dentist may use a process called bonding, in which tooth-colored resin is adhered to your tooth and hardened with UV light. Another option is a dental veneer. Veneers are custom made shells of porcelain or ceramic that cover the broken part of a tooth. If a larger piece has broken off, a dental crown may be a better option. In this procedure, a cap made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal is placed over the broken part of the tooth to create a natural prosthetic.
