A chipped tooth can be both uncomfortable and unsightly, affecting your smile and potentially your oral health. The jagged edge may irritate your tongue and cheeks, while exposed inner layers can cause pain with temperature changes. If you’re in Tampa, Florida, and wondering how to fix a chipped tooth, you’re in luck. Our dentists here at Spring Haven have many effective methods of restoring your smile. From quick repairs with dental bonding to more comprehensive solutions such as crowns, we can help bring your smile back to its whole, healthy state. Read on to learn what immediate steps you should take, and what your options are for chipped tooth repair with us.
What To Do For A Chipped Tooth? The Immediate Steps To Take
Regardless of whether you’ve chipped a front tooth or chipped a molar, there are 4 immediate steps that you should take before seeking out a dentist to fix your chipped tooth.
1. Fish out the chipped tooth pieces and save them in a sterile container to bring with you to the dentists.
2. Then rinse your mouth out with warm water to clean the area.
3. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time.
4. Then contact us to book an appointment for your chipped tooth.
The good news is that in most cases, a chipped tooth can be fixed, but the method of repair will depend on the severity of the chip and the location of the affected tooth.
How Do Dentists Fix A Chipped Tooth? 4 Go-to Solutions for Chipped Tooth Repair
1. Dental Bonding - A Quick Fix for Chipped Front Teeth.
One of the quickest ways to repair a chipped front tooth with minor damage is to use dental bonding. With dental bonding, a small amount of tooth-colored resin is applied to the chipped area, and is then shaped to match your natural tooth. Finally, an ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, bonding it securely to your tooth. For teeth with small chips, dental bonding can be completed in a single visit, making it an excellent option for those seeking quick, natural-looking chipped tooth repair.
2. Dental Veneers - Long-lasting Solution for Chipped Front Teeth.
If you have more significant chips in your front teeth, dental veneers offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. These are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material that is designed to cover up the entire front surface of your teeth. They can effectively hide chips, cracks, and other imperfections, while also improving the overall color and shape of your smile.
3. Dental Crowns - Ideal for Chipped Molars or Cracked Teeth.
Now, if you have a severely chipped molar, a dental crown is often the best option. A crown acts as a cap, covering the entire visible portion of your tooth and protecting it from further damage, while restoring appearance and function. /p>
4. Root Canal Therapy - Necessary For Deep Cracks.
In deeper chips that reach the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels), a root canal therapy may be necessary. It works by:
- The pulp chamber is accessed and damaged pulp is removed.
- The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and filled to prevent infection.
- A temporary filling is placed.
- A crown or permanent filling is placed in a follow-up visit.
Unlike cosmetic chipped tooth repair options, a root canal focuses on removing infected tissue and preventing further damage.
How To Fix A Chipped Tooth At Home? Temporary Remedies
If you’ve chipped a tooth and can’t see us right away, there are some temporary measures you can take to alleviate the discomfort and protect the tooth.
1. Smooth a small amount of dental wax over the chipped tooth to create a protective barrier.
2. Purchase temporary dental cement from a pharmacy and apply it over the chipped area to hold the fragment in place and protect the exposed area.
3. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gently swish for 30 seconds to clean the area.
4. Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt.
Don’t let a chipped tooth ruin your smile. Contact us at Spring Haven Dental today for expert repair in Tampa, Florida!
