Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body? Despite this fact, damaging a tooth is still possible. What do you do when you chip or break a tooth? In today’s blog, your , Dr. Amanda Foust, explains the first steps you should take to address a chipped tooth.
Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth
A variety of factors can lead to a person chipping their teeth. In many cases, chewing on hard foods such as ice or popcorn kernels can damage teeth. Other times trauma, such as a sporting activity or a fight, will result in chipped teeth. But in some instances, teeth may already be weakened from tooth decay. Patients with damaged teeth usually report sensitivity, toothaches, or difficulty chewing.
What to Do
When you chip a tooth, you should rinse your mouth with salt water. If the area is painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a cold compress. Then, you should immediately see Dr. Foust. When a tooth becomes damaged, the layers of sensitive dentin beneath the tooth enamel are exposed to bacteria. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection, and potentially losing the tooth.
Repairing a Damaged Tooth
After an oral examination, Dr. Foust will decide the best method of addressing your chipped tooth. Dr. Foust may recommend dental bonding. Made of a special composite resin, the bonding material is shaded to blend seamlessly with your smile. Dr. Foust applies several thin layers of the bonding material, allowing her to shape and mold the tooth, repairing the damage and protecting your teeth from further damage. If the damage is more extensive, a dental crown may offer the best means of repair. A crown is a cap that fits completely over the affected tooth. Custom-made, a crown helps preserve your tooth and restore your smile.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Ankeny Cosmetic Dentist
Do you have a cracked or chipped tooth? Restore your smile to full function and appearance with treatment from your Ankeny cosmetic dentist. Make an appointment by contacting Dental Impressions today. Calling (515) 965-0230 to schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. Located in the 50021 area, we proudly serve patients from Ankeny, Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and all surrounding communities.
