Our teeth are very strong, and in fact are protected by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. But that doesn’t mean injuries don’t happen, and when they do, you need to see us for treatment. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about what to do when you chip a tooth!
The Causes of Damaged Teeth
What happens to damage a tooth? For some, biting down on a hard bit of food, such as a popcorn kernel, peach pit, or even a piece of ice could potentially chip a tooth. A tooth could be damaged by injury too, or as a result of teeth grinding. When this happens, don’t panic! Call our team. If you can reach us during our regular business hours, then we will try to see you same-day or the next day possibly. If your injury happens outside of our normal business hours, then call us anyway and leave a message. A member of our team will contact you with possible appointment times. Remember, even a minor chip or crack could increase the risk of tooth decay or infection, so see us right away!
Easing Your Discomfort
If you can recover any pieces of your tooth, try to do so and ring them with you a sealed container. If not, don’t worry, our team will still be able to repair your tooth. You should rinse with warm water and use cloth or gauze to control the bleeding. To prevent facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the side of your face. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort too.
Repairing Your Chipped Tooth
When you arrive, we will examine your tooth to assess the extent of the damage and to choose the most appropriate treatment option. For some, we could offer treatment in one sitting with dental bonding, using the same lifelike composite resin we employ as part of our tooth-colored dental fillings. If you have more substantial breakage, then our team could instead create and secure a lifelike dental crown, which protects the tooth and blends with the smile. We can also discuss creating a custom mouthguard to wear if you play full contact sports, protecting your smile from further injuries.
If you have any questions about emergency dentistry, or if you need to schedule an emergency visit with our team, then contact our office today to learn more!
Learn More About Emergency Care for Broken Teeth
Don’t ignore a chipped tooth, even if the damage appears very minor. Treatment could protect your smile from the onset of tooth decay and infection. To schedule an appointment for dental emergency treatment, just contact Robert M. Browne DDS in Prairie Village, KS by calling (913) 901-8585.