Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our bodies, but that doesn’t mean our teeth aren’t susceptible to wear and tear. Our teeth go through a great deal of stress and strain so it’s not uncommon for adults to experience a chipped tooth at some point. When you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, you may experience some unpleasant side effects, including pain and difficulty chewing. Here at Cashmere Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of solutions for a chipped tooth that will leave you satisfied and smiling!
It can be frustrating dealing with a chipped tooth, especially when you aren’t sure what your options are. We’ve put together a guide to the treatments we offer that can correct your chipped tooth and give you a bright, healthy smile. Keep reading below to learn more about the side effects of a chipped tooth and how Cashmere Family Dentistry can help!
Side Effects of a Chipped Tooth
When you’re suffering from a chipped tooth, there are more than just cosmetic concerns. Chipped teeth can lead to a multitude of negative side effects for patients, including difficulties eating and sensitivity to hot and cold foods. This can be incredibly inconvenient, not to mention painful! Patients may also experience bad breath as a result of a chipped tooth. When oral issues are left unchecked, they can result in the additional buildup of plaque and other bacteria, which causes bad breath.
Chipped teeth can also cause patients to have fevers and swollen glands in their jaw and neck area. This is something many people aren’t aware of that can be incredibly painful! When you choose to fix your chipped tooth, you’ll be able to experience relief and even a boost in your self-confidence!
Caring For a Chipped Tooth
We’re all human and accidents happen! When you experience an injury or traumatic experience that leads to a chipped tooth, it can feel overwhelming and even take a toll on your self-esteem. Additionally, if your teeth already have a small amount of damage or decay, they’ll be more prone to chipping when doing everyday things like eating hard foods.
If your tooth has chipped or broken, contact our office right away! We’ll set up an appointment to examine your tooth and determine the best course of action to help avoid any infection or additional damage. Until your appointment, follow these steps to keep your tooth as safe as possible:
- If you’re experiencing pain, take the same pain reliever you would take for a headache.
- Use a warm saltwater rinse to soothe and cleanse your mouth.
- If the break has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover the area with orthodontic wax to prevent cuts to your cheeks and lips.
- Try to eat only soft foods until your office visit to avoid further damage and pain.
Treatment for your chipped tooth will depend on how bad the damage is. For small chips, repairs are usually simple and can take place in one office visit. However, there are more severe cases that will require a longer period of time.
Crowns & Bridges
Dealing with a chipped tooth can be detrimental to your oral health and your confidence. When your tooth is chipped or cracked, it can cause significant changes to your bite, leading to other complex (and potentially costly!) dental problems. If you have a chipped tooth, a crown is an excellent treatment option. Your dentist will file down the chipped tooth before placing a crown over the area. Crowns are natural-looking covers for your teeth that can be used to protect the affected tooth, giving you a strong, seamless smile.
Bridges are great for larger, more severe chips or cracks. They’re used to fill large spaces in the teeth that can lead to additional shifting. Bridges are fixed to adjacent teeth along the gums with the use of dental crowns. Bridges can be fixed or removable and with the proper care, can last for years!
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another excellent treatment option for patients who are dealing with chipped or cracked teeth. If you have a chipped front tooth, a dental veneer can make it look whole and healthy once again! Our doctors offer porcelain veneers to shield and protect these teeth and give you a smile you’re proud to show off.
A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic that looks like natural enamel and is made to hide a chipped or otherwise damaged tooth. The materials used to create porcelain veneers are durable and stronger than real teeth. They can even reflect light in the same manner as unaltered teeth do so that a cosmetically enhanced tooth is indistinguishable from the rest. Dr. Ryan Busk, Dr. Janie Busk, or Dr. Danielle Harris can permanently place porcelain veneers to revitalize your smile. Veneers are usually applied over a series of two to three visits.
Root Canal Therapy
In some severe cases, a tooth may be chipped to the point of exposing the pulp of your tooth. If this happens, bacteria from the mouth can infect the pulp and cause pain, color change in your tooth, or extreme sensitivity to heat. When infected, this pulp can die and, if not removed, cause your tooth to become infected and require extraction.
In cases such as this, root canal therapy may be necessary. Root canal therapy is the process of extracting the dead or diseased pulp, thoroughly cleaning the root canal, and then sealing it. Once this process is complete, your dentist will typically protect the tooth by covering it with a crown.
Cashmere Family Dentistry is Here For You!
You only get one smile and we understand how important that smile is. That’s why our talented doctors and team are committed to providing high-quality, expert care for patients of all ages in Cashmere, Busk, and the surrounding communities. Once you know the various solutions for a chipped tooth, you’ll be able to make the choice that fits your needs. With treatment from Cashmere Family Dentistry, you’ll be smiling again in no time!
To learn more about our wide range of dental treatment options including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, & Invisalign schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Janie Busk, Dr. Ryan Busk, or Dr. Danielle Harris. Be sure to also check our social pages.
