Accidents happen. You fall and chip your tooth. While it isn’t the end of the world, it is a pretty big inconvenience. And one that can ultimately lead to threatening your health if left untreated.
Some cases of chipped teeth are worse than others. So, should you see the dentist for a chipped tooth? At Dental Care of Chino Hills, we support healthy teeth and gums for life. Our family dentist, Dr. Bhavin Changela, is always available for patients with dental concerns, no matter how big or small. From the littlest crack to the largest chip, it is always important to see your emergency dentist in Chino Hills as soon as you can. Learn more about chipped teeth and how to best seek help when you need it.
Knowing When You Have an Injury
Normally, injury equates to pain. But in the case of a chipped or broken tooth, you might not always have a sensation. Some chips are shallow enough that they only damage the enamel layers, and don’t actually hit a nerve. Others, of course, might be so deep that they expose nerves, which would be more painful.
Colgate and MedicalNewsToday recommend that you make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you notice this injury, regardless of the amount of pain. This is suggested by as well. There are several different solutions and treatment options for chipped or broken teeth, which can completely restore the area.
In the meantime, you can keep the injury at bay with a few home care tips.
Treating Your Chipped Tooth At Home
While there is no way to repair a chipped or broken tooth at home, you can at least treat the injured area and protect your tooth from getting more injured until you can see your dentist.
When at home, you should:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water
- Use clean gauze to apply pressure where you are bleeding, if needed
- Rest with a cold pack on the cheek covering your hurt tooth, which can help with pain and swelling relief
- Make an appointment with your dentist ASAP
From there, you might receive one of several different treatment and repair options. All of them are reviewed with you by Dr. Changela so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Chipped Teeth Treatment Options
Some common and affordable treatments include:
- Polish and dental bonding, using a soft material that fills in the cracks
- Root canals, to clean pulp and nerves that have been damaged
- Fillings, which can fill in areas that have received a root canal or that have lost tooth mass
- Veneers, which can cover minor cracks or chips with a porcelain material resembling your natural tooth
- Crowns, which are for serious breaks in the tooth, covering the damaged area and reinforcing the area to restore functionality
These procedures, both restorative and cosmetic, play an important role in bringing your teeth back to good health and use. No matter what has put a chip in your smile, there are affordable and pain-free procedures available to help your smile be healthy and confident once again.
Chino Hills Dentist
At Dental Care of Chino Hills, we offer a wide range of restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dentistry procedures. From minor chips to major breaks, there is a treatment plan for you that can keep you in good health and happiness. Emergency dentistry services are also available.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. A small crack may turn into a large chip later on, which can affect your whole mouth. Let us help you on the path of good health! To learn more about your Chino Hills Dentist, please contact us online or give us a call at (909) 310-2051 to speak with a friendly staff member. We look forward to taking care of you!