Sep
How To Fix A Chipped Tooth in Toronto?
What is a chipped tooth? The breaking of the outer protective layer of the teeth (enamel), which is responsible for guiding the teeth against damage and infections, is called chipping of the tooth.
It could happen because of multiple reasons –
a. Biting down on hard foods (Candies, peppermints, hard breads, popcorn kernels, ice-cubes, dried meats, olive pits, meats with hard bones).
b. Grinding teeth at night ( Because of stress and anxiety)
c. Brushing too aggressively or harshly
c. Trauma to the teeth ( falls, car wrecks and sports-related injuries)
d. Cavities (Eating lots of sugary or acidic foods)
Check out these signs of a chipped tooth!
Missing fragments: A simple self-check in the mirror can reveal any missing fragments of your teeth. While it may be more challenging to spot issues with back teeth, front teeth make it easy to recognize a chipped tooth.
Feeling rough or jagged edges: You may notice uneven surfaces and rough textures when you run your finger along your teeth.
Pain: Discomfort or pain may occur if the chip is close to nerves, especially when eating, but it is usually manageable, even with soft foods.
Sensitivity: Since, the protective layer of your tooth is wore down, you’ll feel more sensitive to the hot and cold temperatures.
Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may recommend treatments such as dental bonding, a crown, or a veneer.
First Things First: What to do if you find that your tooth is chipped?
It’s crucial to understand that a chipped tooth cannot be effectively treated at home. Seeking professional dental care is the best course of action to prevent further damage. However, before your dental appointment, there are a few steps you can take to manage the situation.
Keep the fragment with you: If a larger portion of your tooth has come out, be sure to keep it with you.
(Pro tip: Store it in milk for preservation)
Bring the chipped fragment with you to your dental appointment. Your dental care professional may be able to reattach it, offering a potential solution to your chipped tooth.
Protect the damaged area: It is essential to safeguard the affected area. Here are some methods to protect the damaged area:
a. Use dental (orthodontic wax)
b. Wear a mouthguard
c. Use sugar-free gum
Must brush and floss regularly: ensure no food is stuck in your mouth. Leaving food trapped can apply pressure to any damaged areas.
Be gentle with yourself: If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth, it’s okay to use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. However, if you have allergies, it’s best to avoid self-medicating and consult a doctor first.
Limit the things you eat: You may not feel like eating anything if your teeth are chipped or crooked until you’ve consulted with your dental professional. In case you feel hungry, please consume only soft foods, or it would be best to have soups at room temperature.
Let’s talk about TREATMENT Options
There are various treatment options for chipped or crooked teeth, depending on the severity of the issue.
- For minor chips, simple polishing or bonding will work.
a. Polishing: This procedure will smooth out your chip and make it look similar to your other teeth.
b. Bonding: This method uses a composite resin material and is considered an effective treatment for filling in minor chips.
- If bonding is unable to effectively hide imperfections, veneers can be considered for extensive coverage.
- Crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to protect damaged teeth from further harm. They provide security for the future health of the teeth.
- A chip in a back tooth can be treated with fillings, including metals, plastic, or glass. This treatment is effective and provides patients with confidence in the success of their treatment.
- If a serious chip has occurred, exposing the nerves and making the dental area susceptible to infections, then a root canal is necessary to protect the tooth from further damage.
Conclusion
At the Emergency Dental 365 Clinic, we understand the value of your smile. We know that unexpected chips and cracks can rob you of your confidence. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Our team has the expertise and solutions to help you regain your radiant smile. Just remember, attempting to fix a chipped tooth at home could make matters worse. Trust us to provide the professional care you need.
