The tooth is made up of very strong bone material, which is very hard to break easily. However, hard trauma can cause the tooth to be chipped or broken. A chipped or broken tooth always calls for immediate dental attention. A tooth can be chipped or broken due to trauma from an accident or vigorous activities such as sports or playing. If you experience a chipped or broken tooth, the first thing you should do is book an appointment with your dentist. However, before you visit the dentist, here are some remedies that can help save the tooth and lessen discomfort.
What to do immediately after you chip or break a tooth
When your tooth chips or breaks, some simple first-aid measures and precautions can help save the tooth.
- Rinse with warm water
Depending on the extent of the breakage, it is always advisable to rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the tooth. This will help prevent bacteria from entering the affected tooth and causing an infection.
- Keep the chipped or broken piece
If you can find the chipped or broken piece of your tooth, carefully wrap it in a wet gauze and bring it with you to the dentist. The dentist can examine it and determine whether it can be bonded back to restore your tooth.
Ways to fix chipped or broken teeth
All hope is not lost when you chip or break your tooth/teeth. Thanks to modern dental technology, broken or chipped teeth can be fixed to restore their appearance as well as functionality. Treatment will depend on the extent of the damage to the tooth. Here are some ways a dentist can help fix your chipped or broken tooth.
- Bonding or filling
For a slightly chipped tooth, the dentist will simply apply a tooth-colored dental filling to the chipped surface to restore the shape of the tooth. The chipped surface can also be restored by applying bonding material (usually composite resin) to the surface. The bonding material is moulded to match the colour and texture of your tooth and then cured by ultraviolet light.
- Dental crown or cap
A dental crown or cap is an artificial attachment to the tooth that restores the appearance of a tooth. This is usually recommended if you have broken or chipped a large portion of your tooth. A dental crown or cap with a cover or conceal protects the broken tooth and restores its function.
- Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin material that is applied on the surface of the chipped or broken tooth to restore its aesthetic appearance. Dental veneers are carefully customized in a lab to match your preference in terms of colour and shape. They are mainly recommended for chipped or broken front teeth.
Conclusion
At Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, our experienced dentists use state-of-the-art dental equipment to help fix your broken or chipped tooth. Visit Carrum Downs Dental Clinic today, and let us restore your smile. Contact us now to book an appointment with our dentist.
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