Discovering that you have a chipped or cracked tooth can be alarming. The sudden change in your appearance and physical discomfort might make you worry. However, it’s essential not to panic—your dentist can help.
The good news is that there are several ways to fix a chipped tooth. Your options include:
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Implants
- Root canal
If you have a chipped tooth and are experiencing significant discomfort, pain, bleeding, or any other serious symptoms, contact our team at Dentistry on Danforth at 416-466-4422. We will try to schedule an appointment as soon as we can and give you further instructions.
Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?
Generally, a chipped tooth is not considered a dental emergency. However, if you notice the following, treat it as an emergency:
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Excessive bleeding
- Swelling or infection
- The tooth feels loose
- Significant damage affecting your bite or jaw alignment
In these cases, it’s crucial to seek emergency dental care as soon as you can. This is key to preventing further damage and complications.
What to Do About a Chipped Tooth
If you’ve chipped your tooth, follow these simple steps to manage the situation efficiently:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
- Apply over-the-counter dental cement if available, to cover the sharp edge.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage.
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth, if possible, to bring them to your dentist.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Being calm is key here. If you panic, you’ll likely make a mistake, and this may worsen the situation. Instead, relax and breathe—your dentist can help.
So what can you expect when you visit your dentist?
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a straightforward and effective treatment for chipped teeth. This process involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the chipped area and hardening it with a special light.
Then, the resin is shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth, providing a natural look. This is a beneficial approach to fixing a chipped tooth—with quick treatment times and minimal changes to the existing tooth, dental bonding is an affordable and efficient solution.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of a tooth. Think of them like a customized protective shield for your teeth designed to improve your appearance and fix chips, cracks, and gaps.
To get veneers, your dentist will:
- Prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from the surface.
- Take an impression of your tooth to create a mould.
- Send the mould to a dental laboratory to fabricate the veneer.
- Bond the veneer to your tooth with a special adhesive.
- Ensure the veneer fits perfectly, making adjustments if necessary.
Veneers offer a long-lasting solution that enhances both the tooth’s appearance and its strength. You may need several appointments to make sure your new veneers can properly protect your teeth.
Crowns
A dental crown is a sort of cap that covers the entire tooth, providing protection and restoring its shape, size, and function. They’re an excellent option for restoring a chipped tooth, especially if the damage is extensive or affects the tooth’s structural integrity.
To place a crown, the dentist will typically:
- Assess the extent of the damage and file down the tooth to receive the crown.
- Take an impression of the prepared tooth to prepare the future crown.
- Place a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory.
Once ready, the permanent crown is placed and adjusted as needed. Your dentist will likely have you return to monitor your recovery. Then, you’ll have a long-lasting solution to a chipped tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more extensive solution, usually reserved for cases where the tooth cannot be saved. First, the tooth is extracted (if necessary) and a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone to serve as a replacement root.
This takes some time to heal, and you’ll return regularly to the dentist so they can monitor your recovery. Once the titanium has fused to the jaw, your dentist will install an abutment, which acts as a bridging material for the future crown.
Finally, a crown or artificial tooth is attached. This offers a permanent solution that mimics the function and appearance of a natural tooth. These can last for up to a decade or more depending on your unique situation.
Let Our Team Fix Your Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. Instead, call our team at Dentistry on Danforth at 416-466-4422 or book an appointment to discuss treatment. We’re ready to help, and our team will work closely with you to find the solution you need. Relief is right around the corner, so let our team help.