Do you know what to do if you harm your tooth or your smile in any way? Common injuries like broken or chipped teeth should be cared for as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Your Prairie Village, KS, dentist offers immediate dental care to help restore your smile after an injury. In today’s blog, we’re discussing what to do if you harm one of your pearly whites.
Trauma, Hard Foods, Or A Worn Enamel Can Cause This
Chipping a tooth may be a more common incident than you think. This type of injury can occur if you bite into something too hard, such as hard candy, suffering a blow to the face, grinding your teeth, and more. Some patients may have bruxism, which causes them to grind their teeth together when they are unaware it is happening. Over time, this can lead to your enamel becoming worn down and your dental structures can become weakened. When this happens, your pearly white can easily be chipped or cracked. If you or your child plays contact sports, a hit to the face during a game or practice could result in a damaged pearly white, so remember to wear protective gear.
Stay Calm And Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
If you experience this type of injury, or any other dental emergency, it’s important to do your best to remain calm. You can assess the damage and take over-the-counter pain reducers to help alleviate discomfort. Call your dentist for a same-day appointment and follow any instructions the team may give you. They may be able to instruct you on how to care for the area until you can come in for your appointment. In many cases, chipping a tooth should not cause discomfort, but it can be alarming. If necessary, take over-the-counter pain reducers and apply a cold compress to help relieve pain.
We Can Help Repair The Injury And Relieve Discomfort
When you come in for your appointment, your team will examine your smile and take a look at the injury. Typically, a chipped or cracked tooth can be restored with options such as bonding or crowns. Minor types of damage may be treated by bonding composite resin to the area, which helps protect your dental structure from further damage and improves the esthetics of the damaged spot. For more serious types of cracks, a dental crown may be added over your dental structure. This tooth-shaped cap can help repair your pearly white and maintain its function.
Learn More About Your Emergency Dentistry Option
Dr. Browne’s team in Prairie Village, KS, is here when you need urgent smile care. To schedule a same day appointment with our team, call our office at 913-901-8585.