It may be hard for you to notice you have a chipped tooth. However, if you are drinking cold or hot drinks and suddenly feel a very painful and aching sensation, you may have a chipped tooth. A chipped tooth can occur if you grind your teeth excessively, or chew on ice or hard candy. A tooth can also be chipped as a result of a fall or forceful injury. The enamel which covers your teeth is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in your body, however, it is still prone to wear and tear. Here are some ways on how to fix or care for a chipped tooth.
See The Dentist
A chipped tooth is rarely a medical emergency unless it causes severe pain to the point where it disrupts your normal lifestyle. However, you should still see the dentist as soon as possible to get the chipped tooth treated. This is important so that the dentist can accurately diagnose your chipped tooth and come up with the appropriate treatment.
Depending on the severity of the chipping or breaking, your dentist may recommend several treatment options ranging from veneers and simple bonds to crowns, fillings, and caps. Your dentist may also recommend a root canal if the chipped tooth is deemed to be dangerous and severe enough.
Bonding is a common repair method for small or less complicated chips. It involves molding a composite material over the healthy area of the tooth and the chipped area. This will help to create a natural-looking cover over your chipped tooth. The bonding material can be hardened with blue light and is especially attached and shaped to fit the teeth. Bonds can last for roughly 10 years.
Dental caps and crowns are similar to veneers because they are porcelain covers for your teeth. The difference between dental crowns and veneers is that dental crowns cover the entire tooth as opposed to the part of the tooth which is visible. Dental crowns are considered the best method for fixing a chipped tooth if the chipping or breakage causes significant damage to the original tooth. Crowns are also able to prevent further damage, pain, and tooth decay from exposed nerves while fixing your smile.
Root canals are recommended for more severe cases whereby the majority of the tooth is chipped but the root remains intact. A pin or post in the canal of the affected tooth is placed to build up the tooth structure sufficiently for a temporary crown to be placed. A permanent crown will then replace the temporary crown to restore your smile.
Temporary Tooth Repair Kit
You can also source temporary tooth repair kits in drugstores and pharmacies. This can be helpful if your appointment with the dentist is still far away and you need temporary relief for your chipped tooth. Some kits include dental wax to cover the rough, jagged and uneven surfaces of the chipped tooth. Others may contain materials that can be molded into the shape of a tooth to fill gaps and missing or broken teeth. However, these kits are only for temporary relief and you should still see the dentist to address the more serious issues of chipping and breakage.