Dentists regularly sees patients who suffer from chipped teeth. While a chipped tooth may initially seem to be a problem for cosmetic dentistry alone, a large chip or a chip resulting from a traumatic injury or accident can pose serious oral health risks. Fortunately, when it comes to chipped or missing teeth, a dentist has a wide range of solutions. Keep reading to learn more about steps you should take if you chip a tooth, including cleaning the area, calling a dentist, and accessing the severity.
Clean Affected Tooth
Before you even call your dentist, you should make sure to clean the chipped tooth. First, rinse your mouth thoroughly using warm water. If the surrounding gum tissue is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with sterile gauze. To prevent swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek.
Call General Dentist
Calling a dentist to schedule a dental consultation should be your next step. Only a dentist can determine if the nerve has been damaged and what methods in cosmetic dentistry are most suitable for treating the chipped tooth. Porcelain veneers are ideal for many small chips and fractures. Veneers cover the entire front of a tooth, masking any imperfections. They can also be matched precisely to the color of surrounding natural teeth.
Assess Chip Severity
When you speak to your general dentist on the phone, you may want to advise him or her of the type and severity of the break. Avoid touching the tooth itself, but use a mirror to determine the extent of damage. A chip usually involves just a small piece that has broken away from the tooth. However, if there is a more serious break, you should seek emergency care.
If you have chipped a tooth and need urgent care from a general dentist near Chicago, contact University Associates in Dentistry by calling (312) 704-5511. Our team provides a wide range of services, including veneers, teeth bonding, teeth whitening, and periodontics procedures. You can check out our services online or call us to schedule a dental consultation.
