How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

After an accident, a chipped tooth can be painful, but there are ways to repair it yourself. You can try soft foods to reduce the pain and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist can also prescribe medications to alleviate pain. The dentist will likely perform a minor procedure to smooth out the rough parts of the tooth. A composite resin is then bonded to the chipped tooth. This material mimics a natural tooth’s color and shape. It can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth and is available in many different colors.

Common causes of a chipped tooth

A chipped tooth may occur as a result of a variety of factors, including eating hard candy or ice. In addition, consuming acidic drinks or frequent vomiting can contribute to tooth decay. Sugar is a major enemy of teeth, so it is important to avoid sugary foods and beverages. These foods can cause chips and cracks in your teeth, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

If you experience chipped or cracked teeth, visit a dentist right away. If you don’t, your chipped or cracked tooth can worsen or even become infected and lost. In the meantime, you can treat the pain by taking an acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain reliever. You should also wear a mouth guard when playing sports, or if you grind your teeth at night.

Treatment options

A chipped tooth can be a minor inconvenience, but it can affect your dental function. The chip will make it difficult to bite, and you may even end up favoring one side of your mouth over the other. Even if the chip isn’t a serious problem, many people feel self-conscious about their chipped teeth. Luckily, there are several treatment options for chipped teeth.

One option is to use a dental filling. This type of treatment uses a resin that matches the color of the natural teeth next to the chipped tooth. This is a fast, affordable solution that doesn’t involve drilling. However, this type of treatment won’t last forever. Porcelain veneers and crowns can last about five years, but don’t be fooled by their long term results.

Symptoms of a chipped tooth

If you’ve cracked or chipped a tooth, it’s important to visit the dentist right away. A minor chip may not cause any discomfort or pain, but a larger chip may expose the dentin, causing pain and sensitivity. A chipped tooth is also more likely to get infected and develop decay. If left untreated, it could result in the loss of the tooth.

Symptoms of a chipped tooth can include discomfort, swelling, sensitivity, and a change in appearance. Some of these symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the chipped tooth. Depending on the extent of the chip, a dental professional may recommend a filling, cap, or crown to restore the tooth. Fortunately, this treatment can help save the rest of the tooth as well as protect the inner layers of the tooth from further damage.

When to see a dentist after a chipped tooth

A chipped tooth can be caused by a variety of situations. While most chipped teeth are not dental emergencies, if the chipped tooth has become infected or has broken, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. There are a variety of at-home remedies to help protect the chipped tooth until you can make an appointment.

Chipped teeth are easy to repair, but deeper damage will require more extensive treatment. A dentist will be able to tell the extent of the damage with a magnifying glass, a bite test, and dental x-rays. Not every crack or chip needs to be treated, however. Some people may only have craze lines, which are minor cracks in the enamel. However, if the damage is deep and you experience pain, it’s time to visit a dentist.