Tooth Trouble? Stay Calm and Get Help!
Accidents happen, and sometimes that means chipping a tooth. But don’t panic! A chipped tooth repair kit can offer a quick fix, and there are many professional treatment options available.
Understanding Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but even it has its limits. Chips and cracks can occur due to various reasons like hitting the pavement, taking a blow to the face, or biting into something hard.
What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
If you’ve chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow these steps:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity.
- Apply clove oil to your tooth for a natural numbing agent with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Cover any sharp edges with sugar-free gum, paraffin wax, or ortho wax.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on the damaged tooth.
Professional Treatment Options
Not all cracked or chipped teeth require treatment, but they should always be evaluated by a dentist. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take dental x-rays, and possibly perform a bite test to determine the best course of treatment.
Fillings and Bonding
If you’ve chipped a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may patch it with a filling. For more noticeable chips, they may use a procedure called bonding, which patches the area with a tooth-colored composite resin.
Caps and Crowns
Dental caps and crowns are used for repairing large chips and damage caused by decay. They’re permanent and come in various materials, including metal, porcelain/ceramic, and all-resin.
Dental Veneers
If a front tooth has a small crack, a dental veneer made of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite can be made to cover the whole front tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
If a chip or crack exposes the sensitive center of the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the dead pulp and clean the root canal.
Surgery and Extraction
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove calcium deposits or to check for hidden cracks. If the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be necessary, followed by a dental implant.
The Cost of Fixing a Chipped Tooth
The cost of fixing a chipped tooth varies depending on the extent of damage, ranging from $100 to $5,000. Dental insurance can help, so be sure to discuss your options with your dentist.
Don’t Wait – Get Help Today!
Remember, the longer you wait to see a dentist, the more damage can occur, making treatment more difficult and potentially more expensive. Stay calm, take care of your tooth, and get professional help as soon as possible.
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