They say that the best accessory is your smile. But you might be hesitant to show off your pearly whites, especially if you have chipped, broken, or fractured teeth. If this is your biggest concern, do not fret! You can now easily find an affordable dentist in Waterford, MI.
If you do not act now, the cracked tooth can become infected. This infection poses a serious health risk. It may even lead to the extraction of the said tooth. If you cannot immediately see a dentist, you can do some at-home remedies to mitigate the pain and stave off the infection. Here are some of them:
- You can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater to reduce the risk of infection.
- If the damage was caused by a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to protect your gum and cheek.
- It would be best if you opt for softer foods for now. Avoid biting using your damaged tooth.
- Treat the tooth with Dentemp, which you can buy over-the-counter in any drugstore and pharmacies. This product will temporarily treat the chipped tooth before you see a dentist.
You might be wondering how the dentist will fix your chipped tooth. The solution varies from one person to another because it relies on the severity of the damage. Let us say that only a small portion of the enamel was broken. In this case, you might just need to visit the dental clinic once.
However, if the damage is severe, it may require a costlier procedure. You might even have to visit your dentist several times. Or worse, he might even have to extract it.
Bonding
Let us say that it is a small chip on the enamel. After thoroughly examining your teeth, your dentist will most likely recommend applying a filling on the chipped portion. If the damage is on a front tooth, he will most likely apply a tooth-colored composite resin.
This process is called bonding and does not require any numbing agent. He will etch the surface of the tooth with a special gel or liquid. After which, he will apply an adhesive substance, which is followed by the resin.
Your dentist will shape the resin to make it match your natural tooth. After which, he will use ultraviolet light to harden the material.
Dental Veneer
If the chipped tooth is in front, your dentist will probably suggest that he apply a dental veneer on the damaged tooth. Doing this will make it look healthy and flawless, so you will not feel awkward showing off your beautiful smile.
He will take measurements and send them to a laboratory. They will create teeth-colored resin composite material or porcelain to match your specific needs. After which, your dentist will apply them over the surface of your damaged tooth using special cement.
Conclusion
You should never take your dental health for granted. Bad teeth will not only lessen your confidence. But it poses a serious threat to your overall well-being.
If you are searching for a reputable yet affordable dentist in Waterford, MI, you do not have to look far. At Dental House MI, we will take care of your teeth as if it is ours. Call us now for an appointment!