How To fix a Chipped tooth: Guide
Introduction
Chipped tooth may seems as minor problem, but it should never be underestimated. It is very crucial for your proper well being of oral health and it also effects your smile. This article is completely written on the importance chipped tooth.
Importance of addressing about chipped tooth
When a tooth is little fractured, it disturbs the integrity of the tooth. This lead to effect your oral health issues. This can create unnecessary pressure on the surrounding of the tooth, can alter your bite impact. This can also lead to misalignment with the passage of time leading to different difficulties. It can cause difficulties in speaking and chewing, your smile is also effected.
It can also become the site of bacterial accumulation, which can cause infection and tooth decay in later stages. Such oral health problems can accelerate, and effect the adjacent teeth leading to more complex dental procedures.
Consequences if left untreated
If chipped tooth is left untreated, it will lead to multiple issues. Bacteria grown in the chipped teeth can lead to infected cavities and gums inflammation, causing discomfort and require proper treatment. Additionally, if it is left untreated its edges become sharp and it can damage surrounding soft tissues, including your cheeks and tongue.
Damage Assessment
It is very important to assess the extent of damage, that can be caused by chipped tooth. There severity may vary due to structural issues.
Types of chipped tooth
Minor chips
These are the superficial chips and only effect the enamel of the tooth. They causes little or no concern as they are just present on superficial layer.
Moderate chips
Chips that extend beyond the enamel surface, and effect the dentin part of the tooth, this is called moderate chips. This kind of chips cam cause severe sensitivity on using hot or cold food. In moderate chips causes little pain in the teeth.
Severe chips
It is more severe than moderate chips and extend below the dentin, reaching up to the nerve of tooth. In this type of chipped tooth, patient faces severe sensitivity along with severe pain. This alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
Degree of pain and sensitivity
Pain and sensitivity faced in the chipped tooth depends on the severity of chip in the tooth. Sometimes, minor chips lead to more sensitivity and pain. These depends on the reaction of nerves on the stimuli that causes discomfort.
How to deal with chipped tooth
It is very important to take immediate precautionary steps following a chipped tooth. These steps can help you to get relief from discomfort and prevent further complications.
Rinse mouth with warm water
Gently rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water will help you to clean the area around the chipped tooth. This will help you in removing blood and debris. Never rinse your mouth vigorously, because it can cause damage to your tooth. Spit out the water, and use precautionary measures before eating or drinking something.
Apply Cold press
Applying cold press on the outer side of your mouth will help you to reduce swelling and pain for a shorter time interval. Get a pack of ice cubes and massage in on the outer side of the mouth. This cold press will shrink the size of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure in that area. Which will help in reducing pain and swelling in that area.
Use pain killers to get pain relief
Painkillers can also be used to get pain relief for a shorter period of time. Painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used in this purpose. While using painkillers it is important to follow the guidelines prescribed by the doctor.
These immediate steps are basically designed to get quick relief for a shorter period of time. Following doctors guidelines will help you to avoid some of the major complications.
Different treatment options for chipped tooth
There is variety of treatment options that can be used for chipped tooth. Choosing a right option for your chipped tooth solution is most important. Some treatment methods that are adopted for chipped tooth are discussed below:
Dental Bonding for minor chips
For treatment of minor chips dental bonding is always preferred. In this process, dental resin is applied on to the chipped area of tooth, then it is shaped properly. In the last, this resin is hardened by the use of special light. This is very cheap procedure and is best for minor cosmetics surgeries.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are mostly used in the case of moderate chips. In which, the chips are extended below the enamel reaching up to the dentin part of the teeth. Veneer are thin custom made porcelain shell, that covers the front part of the teeth. It covers the chipped area of the tooth and provide fine and better look to the tooth. Veneers are best option if patient is suffering from moderate chips.
Dental Crown
Dental crown are mostly used in the severe chips. In severe chips the structure of tooth is so much weakened. It is made up of a durable material, that covers the tooth. This provide strength, protection and attractive look to the tooth. These crown are best for reshaping and restoration functionality of the damaged tooth.
Root canal
If the chip cause damage to the root nerves of the tooth, then best option is to go for root canal. In extremely severe cases of chipped tooth, the nerve endings present in the root of the tooth are damaged. It leads to severe pain and endless sensations. Root canal is the procedure, in which damaged nerves along with cleaning inside the tooth and sealing it to prevent any kind of infection.
Preventive Measures
Following some of the guidelines that will prevent you from chipped teeth. Some are listed below for your knowledge related to preventive measures:
- Wearing mouth guards during any physical activity will help you to prevent from such cases. Mouth guard form barrier between upper and lower jaw, that prevent direct impact on your jaw.
- Avoid habits like; Nail biting, opening or breaking something with your teeth.
- Avoid eating hard food because they can cause chipped tooth when force is applied and pressure is created.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene, because it is very important for stronger and healthy teeth.