How to Deal With a Chipped Tooth?
Having a chipped tooth can be a cause of distress and discomfort, particularly if the chip is visible when you smile or speak. If a chip is the source of pain or sensitivity, it’s important to seek out dental treatment. But if the chip is mild and not causing any pain, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to help restore the aesthetic appearance of the chipped tooth. In this blog post, we’re going to explore how to deal with a chipped tooth. We’ll take a look at the potential causes of chipped teeth, the importance of seeking out professional dental treatment if the chip is causing pain, and some simple steps you can take to lessen the impact of the chip. We’ll also discuss the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid chipping teeth in the future. By the end of this blog post, Dentists in Eugene explain how to deal with a chipped tooth and how to prevent them in the future.
If you have recently chipped a tooth, the first thing you should do is take steps to reduce swelling and pain. Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with a chipped tooth. Use a towel or washcloth to wrap a few ice cubes or a cold pack. Hold the cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. This will help to reduce pain and swelling caused by the chip and help you to manage discomfort until you can see a dentist.
If you’ve chipped your tooth and you’re in pain, it’s important to contact your dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the chip and the pain you’re experiencing, your dentist may be able to fix it in one visit using composite bonding or a crown. If the chip is severe, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to prevent further damage and decay. Your dentist will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
One of the best ways to deal with a chipped tooth is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing every day can help prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of further chipping. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly to get your teeth checked and have any potential issues treated quickly. If you already have a chipped tooth, your dentist can advise you on the best way to treat it, such as with an inlay or onlay.
When you have a chipped tooth, one of the most important things you can do is to avoid hard and sticky foods. Hard foods like hard candy, ice, nuts and popcorn can cause further damage to the chipped tooth. Sticky foods like candy, gummy bears and caramel can also cause damage as they can become stuck in the crevices of the chipped tooth, making it harder to clean and potentially causing further damage. Therefore, it is best to avoid these foods altogether.
After assessing the damage to your chipped tooth, you may decide that at-home remedies are not enough for a complete fix. In this case, it’s important to visit your dentist for treatment options. Your dentist will be able to examine the chip and decide the best course of action. Depending on the scale of the chip, this could involve bonding, veneers, crowns, or even implants. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more detailed plan and answer any questions you have about the process.
It is important to take quick action when you chip or fracture a tooth. If you delay too long, the tooth may become infected or decay, which may require more extensive dental work. Speak with Quest Dental to determine the best course of action, and they may be able to use bonding, veneers, or crowns to restore the tooth to its original shape and color.
We look forward to meeting you. Call 541-688-7278 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.