What To Do When You Have a Chipped Tooth

At Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we understand that a chipped tooth can be an unexpected and stressful situation. Taking the right steps can help you recover quickly and maintain your beautiful smile. Here’s what to do if you have a damaged tooth.

Assess the Damage

The first step is to assess the severity of the chip. Examine your tooth in the mirror and check for any sharp edges. If the chip is minor, you may only notice a rough spot on your tooth. However, if the chip is larger or accompanied by intense pain, it could indicate more severe damage that requires immediate attention.

Protect Your Mouth

It’s important to protect your mouth from cuts and irritation when chipped teeth have sharp or jagged edges. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and consider covering the rough edges with dental wax or sugarless gum until you can see a dentist. This will help prevent further injury to your tongue and cheeks.

Manage Any Pain

If you’re experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage the pain. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth near the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain. However, be cautious when eating or drinking, and avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages which can cause painful sensitivity.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

Contact Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to schedule a dental emergency appointment as soon as possible. Professional care is crucial for assessing the damage and determining the best treatment plan. Our experienced dental team in Bloomfield Hills can restore your smile and oral health.

Repair Options for Chipped or Damaged Teeth

We know that chipped or damaged teeth can impact your smile and confidence. Modern dentistry provides various restoration options to help your teeth regain their natural beauty and strength. Here are some of the most effective dental restorations we offer for chipped or damaged teeth:

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective solution for minor chips or cracks. In this procedure, we apply a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area. It is then sculpted to match the shape of your natural tooth. Once the resin is hardened with a special curing light, it is polished to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Bonding is ideal for small imperfections and can usually be completed in a single visit.

Porcelain Veneers and LUMINEERS

For extensive damage or a long-term aesthetic solution, porcelain veneers and LUMINEERS are excellent choices. Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front surface of teeth, offering a natural, durable solution for chips and discoloration.

LUMINEERS are thinner and more translucent, ideal for severe discoloration, and can be placed over existing crowns or bridgework without tooth preparation. Both options are designed for long-lasting results, providing you with a beautiful, radiant smile for decades.

Dental Crowns

When a tooth is severely damaged or weakened, a dental crown may be necessary to restore its function and appearance. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth, providing strength and protection.

Our dental team uses ceramic porcelain so your crown matches the color of your natural teeth, while our digital impressions ensure a perfect fit. This gives you a seamless, durable solution that enhances your smile and maintains your oral health.

Inlays and Onlays

In cases where the damage is too severe for a standard dental filling but not serious enough for a conventional crown, inlays and onlays are the perfect solution. These custom-made porcelain restorations are bonded to the damaged area of your tooth, providing strength and stability. Inlays fit within the cusps of your tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent tooth replacement option if you sustain severe damage that results in tooth loss. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. With dental implants, you can enjoy the look and function of a natural tooth.

Contact Us Today for Dental Broken Tooth Repair in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Don’t let a broken tooth stop you from enjoying life to the fullest. At Owens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we specialize in dental broken tooth repair in Bloomfield Hills to restore your smile.

Our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized, high-quality care using the latest techniques and technology. Contact us to schedule your appointment and discover how we can help you achieve a healthy, radiant smile.

FAQs

Can a Broken Piece of Tooth Be Repaired?

Yes, a broken piece of a tooth can be repaired. Various dental treatments are available depending on the extent of the damage. Dental bonding can restore the tooth’s appearance for minor chips by applying a tooth-colored composite resin. A dental crown may be necessary for more severe breaks to provide strength and protection.

Can a Dentist Fix a Badly Broken Tooth?

Yes, but the treatment options depend on the extent of the damage. For severe breaks, the dentist may perform a root canal to remove damaged pulp and then place a dental crown over the tooth to restore its shape and functionality. In cases where the tooth is broken below the gum line, extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge may be necessary to replace the tooth.

Does a Broken Tooth Need To Be Fixed Immediately?

A broken tooth must be fixed as soon as possible. Immediate attention is essential to prevent further damage, pain, or infection. Even if the break seems minor and doesn’t hurt, the tooth may still be vulnerable to decay or further cracking. Fast treatment by a dentist can help preserve the tooth, alleviate discomfort, and maintain your oral health.

Can You Leave a Broken Tooth In?

Leaving a broken tooth untreated is never a good idea, as it can lead to several problems. The exposed tooth may still become infected, leading to decay, dental abscesses, and possible tooth loss. A broken tooth can also be extremely sensitive or painful, especially when eating or drinking. Ignoring the problem can affect your bite and lead to alignment issues. To prevent these complications, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an exam and treatment.