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Whether you tripped and fell on the sidewalk, ate some hard peanut brittle, or grind your teeth too hard at night, a chipped or broken tooth is a dental issue that needs to be solved as quickly as possible. Aside from being uncomfortable and having an impact on your smile, chipping can become worse if not promptly addressed. If you’ve broken a tooth for any reason, make an appointment with a local dentist in Waterford to get your tooth examined. Your dentist has several alternatives for repairing your tooth, which we'll go over below.
First Things First
It may be challenging to get an appointment with your dentist straight away, whether you or your child has a chipped tooth. However, there are a few home remedies that might help relieve the pain and swelling, which include:
- Buy over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Rinse with mouthwash to get rid of anything stuck in the tooth's jagged edges.
- If the discomfort persists, apply an ice pack indirectly.
- If the chipped tooth was caused by a violent event that resulted in severe pain and bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Now, let’s look at some methods your dentist may use to fix the chipped or broken tooth.
1. Bonding
Bonding is the most likely repair method your dentist will recommend for the most straightforward and tiniest chips in your teeth. It entails placing a composite resin material on your tooth to produce a mold. The composite will then be shaped into the chip to make it appear as if it were a natural component of the tooth. Here are some reasons why bonding is a good idea:
- It is a simple cosmetic operation.
- It can last for many years (with regular oral hygiene).
- It is cost-effective.
- It looks natural.
2. Veneers
Veneers may be a better alternative if the chip is a little larger. Veneers are porcelain covers placed on the front of the teeth, whereas bonding replaces minor chips here and there. They have a very smooth and natural appearance. Veneers are inexpensive if there is just one chipped tooth, but they can be costly if there are several. However, they endure longer than bonding. They should last roughly 20 years if properly cared for.
3. Crowns
Veneers and crowns have a lot in common because they're both made of porcelain. A crown encompasses the entire tooth, whereas veneers cover the front of a chipped tooth. Crowns are effective when the chip is significant, and a large portion of the tooth has been lost. Crowns come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All of them have the advantage of enveloping the chipped tooth and preventing additional harm to the tooth or nerve.
4. Dental Implants
Getting a dental implant is the last choice for treating a chipped or broken tooth. Only the most severe cracks, where a tiny bit of tooth remains above the gumline, should be treated this way.
In this case, you'd have to extract the tooth and wait for it to recover before having the implant placed. After your gums have healed, a permanent metal post will be implanted into your gum line, and a dental implant that looks and feels like a natural tooth will be placed into the position. It's the most time-consuming and expensive choice, but the end product should be long-lasting.
Tooth chips are not all the same, just like snowflakes or fingerprints. So, before you decide on the best solution for you and your oral health, your dentist must examine it thoroughly. Regardless of the route you take, maintaining regular dental hygiene will keep your repaired tooth happy and healthy. Not crowding the plate would also help.
Conclusion
Although chipping or breaking a tooth can be unpleasant, many cracks and chips aren't severe and require little or no treatment. However, the best approach to ensure that your teeth and overall health are protected is to visit a dentist.
If your tooth has been knocked out, see our local dentist right away. At Dental House MI, we offer affordable emergency dentistry in Waterford and neighboring areas. Schedule an appointment today!
