Should I Worry About A Chipped Tooth?

A CHIP OFF THE OLD TOOTH
Ripping open a package with your teeth, playing sports, and eating ribs are everyday activities. However, these can cause a chip in your tooth. Chipping your tooth might not cause pain, but the tooth will have to be treated. If you or a family member chip a tooth, then contact a dentist in Dublin, OH for care. At DentalWorks – Dublin, our experienced team will perform a thorough dental examination to evaluate the damage from a chipped tooth and after that, we provide a custom treatment plan to revive your smile. Keep reading to find out about common ways teeth get chipped, what you need to do if you or someone you know chips a tooth, ways your dentist might repair a chip, and also ways to prevent chipping your teeth.

HOW YOU CAN GET A CHIPPED TOOTH
There are lots of ways you could chip your tooth, but some of the most common are biting hard candy, a sports injury, and falling on a hard surface.

  • USING YOUR TEETH INSTEAD OF A TOOL
    The primary purpose of your teeth is to eat, so a common way to get a chip in your tooth is using your teeth for another reason. This may be using your teeth to open a bag, pry something apart, or other things that should be done with a tool, not your teeth.
  • PLAYING SPORTS
    Both contact and non-contact sports present the chance for dental issues, such as chipped teeth. If you aren’t using a mouth guard when performing any activity, you are at higher danger of chipping your teeth.
  • BITING SOMETHING HARD
    Biting on something hard is a way to get a chip in your tooth. Often, people bite hard candies, ice, and meat on the bone (chicken wings or ribs). Although corn on the cob might appear tender, biting the cob is a way to chip a tooth.
  • ACCIDENTS
    However careful you try to be, there’ll always be unexpected injuries. Tripping and falling can result in a chipped tooth. Automobile accidents can also give you a chip or two.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CHIP A TOOTH
Once you or somebody in your household chips a tooth, then contact your dentist in Dublin, OH to schedule a visit. Unless you are in pain, then you most likely don’t require emergency attention and can wait for a couple of days to see your dentist. As you wait, make certain to keep your mouth clean using twice daily flossing and brushing. Make sure you remove any debris that can get trapped in the edge of the chipped tooth. You might also want to rinse with mouthwash to prevent an infection getting into the dental pulp. If you have any swelling or discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and then apply a compress to your cheek. Even if you don’t feel any discomfort and you’re okay with a chipped tooth, you should still schedule an exam with a dental practitioner. A chipped tooth may weaken your tooth and put you at higher risk for an infection and cavities. Treatment options for a chipped tooth are often quick and easy; however, a chipped tooth that doesn’t get treated may lead to pain and lengthier treatments, such as a root canal.

TREATMENTS FOR YOUR CHIPPED TOOTH
To choose the best treatment, your dentist will perform a thorough dental examination. They might use digital x-rays to check the extent of the damage so they can suggest the right procedure. Based upon the size and seriousness of your chip, they may suggest veneers, bonding, or even a crown.

  • PORCELAIN VENEERS
    When a chipped tooth isn’t a serious issue, but you don’t like how your smile look uneven, you might consider porcelain veneers. Thin shells secured to your teeth, cosmetic veneers are custom designed to help your teeth look much more attractive. With proper maintenance, veneers typically last longer than a bonding treatment, which means you may think about veneers in case you are tired of getting your bonding re-applied.
  • BONDING
    To fix small chips and seal your tooth, bonding may be recommended. Using the exact same composite resin used in tooth-colored fillings, a dental practitioner puts the material on the tooth and fills in the chip. Once the resin is set with a light, the tooth will be polished for a smooth, natural-looking finish.
  • CROWN
    A crown may be recommended in case you chip a bigger part of your tooth. A crown is made custom to fit over the whole tooth, which provides more protection and strength in comparison to other choices. Based on the location of the chipped tooth, you might choose a crown that is made from metal, ceramic, or porcelain over metal.

AVOIDING CHIPS
While it isn’t possible to prevent injuries in everyday life, there are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting a chipped tooth. Make sure you’re not using your teeth for anything other than eating. Taking the time to grab scissors may wind up saving you a great deal of trouble if you don’t get a chipped tooth opening something. Avoid chewing ice and hard candy. Cut corn from the cob and meat off the bone before you enjoy it. Keep your teeth strong by flossing and brushing daily. You should also schedule visits at a dentist in Dublin, OH for dental health examinations as well as cleanings. Addressing any new problems, like cavities, will keep your teeth strong. If you or your kid plays sports, then talk to your dentist about an athletic mouth guard. At DentalWorks – Dublin, we provide custom mouth guards made from high-quality materials to protect your gums and teeth during athletic activities.

TREAT YOUR CHIPPED TOOTH SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
If you or your child have chipped a tooth, then call a dentist in Dublin, OH to schedule a consultation. At DentalWorks – Dublin, we will restore your chipped tooth with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or a crown. Whichever treatment you choose, we’ll personalize your plan to fit your needs.