Accidents happen, and they can be even more devastating when they involve our teeth. A chipped tooth can go from being a minor annoyance to an embarrassing problem that needs to be fixed quickly. But it can also signify more serious issues to which you should pay attention. When you chip a tooth, it’s crucial to take action immediately. So, what should you do if your tooth gets chipped? Here’s how to handle this situation properly.
1. Go to the dentist.
We cannot stress the importance of seeing your dentist after a chipped tooth enough. Your dentist has the experience and expertise to determine whether or not you need further treatment for your chipped tooth. They can also assess whether there is any internal damage that the chip may have caused. It is recommended that you seek dental help as soon as possible after your tooth gets chipped so that your dentist can diagnose any problems early on and prevent them from getting worse.
Before going to the dentist, collect any pieces of your tooth that may have been chipped off and store them in a clean container. This will help the dentist determine the best course of action for you. Make sure to rinse your mouth with warm water to reduce swelling or pain. This will also help to keep the area clean.
2. Choose a treatment option
Once your dentist has assessed the extent of the damage and determined what kind of treatment you need for your chipped tooth, they will provide you with various options for restoring your teeth to their original condition. Some common treatments include crowns, veneers, fillings, bonding, and root canal therapy. The treatment option you choose should depend on your circumstances, the nature of the chip, and the extent of damage it has caused.
A more severe chip may require more extensive treatment, such as a crown or root canal, while your dentist can often fix a minor chip with fillings or bonding. But if your dentist cannot save the tooth, they may suggest removing it completely and replacing it with an artificial tooth. They may recommend a dental implant procedure to ensure that the replacement tooth looks and functions like a normal one.
3. Follow-up care
After receiving any treatment for a chipped tooth, you must follow up with regular checkups at the dentist’s office to ensure that everything is healing properly and no new issues have developed since the initial visit. This is especially important if you receive root canal therapy, as all parts of the procedure must be completed correctly to restore your damaged teeth to their original condition.
Your dentist may also recommend wearing a mouthguard when participating in physical activities to protect your chipped tooth from further damage. Especially for active individuals, it is essential to take preventive measures by using a mouthguard every time they participate in sports or recreational activities. Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly will also help keep your chipped tooth healthy.
4. Avoiding chipping in the future
To avoid chipping your teeth in the future, practicing good oral hygiene habits is essential. This means brushing and flossing at least twice a day and using mouthwash to help keep your teeth clean. Dirty or sticky foods can also cause chipping or further damage to a previously chipped tooth, so try to avoid them as much as possible.
It’s also important to be aware of bad habits that could cause your teeth to chip. For instance, clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can put a lot of pressure on them and cause them to crack or chip. If you find yourself doing this, consider seeking treatment from your dentist to help you break the habit.
Some people also have a higher risk of chipping their teeth due to thin enamel or weak bones, so it’s essential to be aware of this and take extra caution when brushing or eating hard foods. Your dentist can also provide advice on keeping your teeth strong and healthy so that you’re less likely to experience any chipping in the future.
If you find yourself dealing with a chipped tooth, don’t panic! The most important thing is to ensure that you get professional help from an experienced dentist who can assess the damage and provide appropriate treatment options to get back on track with healthy teeth again. Regular checkups after dental treatment will also ensure that any problems are caught early on before they become more significant issues. With proper care and attention, even severely damaged teeth can be restored to their original condition!