A chipped tooth can be the result of biting hard substances such as ice and hard candy, grinding your teeth, or a fall/accident.
You might not feel any pain if the chip does not expose the nerves inside your tooth.
Common symptoms associated with a chipped tooth are:
- Pain when eating
- Fever
- Sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages
- Swollen glands
- Bad breath
- A sour taste in your mouth
A chipped tooth can be the result of biting hard substances such as ice and hard candy, grinding teeth or a fall/accident.
Patients might not feel any pain if the chip does not expose the nerves inside the tooth. Common symptoms associated with a chipped tooth include:
1. Tooth reattachment.
If an individual breaks a tooth and has the broken fragment, then the individual needs to place it in a cup with some milk in it. The calcium in the milk will help preserve the fragment. The dentist can glue the fragment back to the tooth using a dental adhesive.
2. Tooth smoothening and polishing.
If it is a minor chip, then the patent can look for a dentist to smooth and polish the chipped tooth. If the tooth feels sharp enough to cause scratches and cutting the gum, the patient can fill it with a dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect the tongue and gum while looking for professional help. Smoothening and polishing will help the patient avoid damage to the tongue and gums by the tooth.
3. Bonding.
Bonding refers to filling the tooth with a composite resin material. Bonding is a procedure that can help when an individual cannot find the broken fragment or is unable to visit a dentist immediately after the procedure. We place the material on the chipped tooth and shape it to acquire the shape of the tooth. We then harden and dry the material using ultraviolet light.
4. Veneers.
Veneers are covers that cover a chipped tooth. We bond the veneers to the tooth for a normal appearance. Veneers can last for more than 30 years without a need for replacement. To install veneers, we will gently remove some enamel from the tooth, so it does not look bulky after we install the veneers. The patient may have to wear a temporary veneer while waiting for the customized veneers. Once veneers are ready, we will remove the temporary veneer and bond the permanent veneer in front of the tooth.
5. Dental implant.
If the crack is beyond the gum, your tooth is untreatable, and the only option is to have it removed and replaced. Your dentist will pull out the cracked tooth. You will then be given time to let your gum heal – typically about six weeks.
Once your gum has healed, an artificial tooth root is installed to replace the removed tooth. Marietta Roswell Dental Care then fits a dental crown on top of the implant.
Call our Roswell office today.