What to do about a chipped tooth

Source: Dr. Marketing

Whether you were chewing on ice cubes or experienced trauma to the mouth, you may be putting yourself at risk for experiencing a chipped tooth. Chipped teeth are not only uncomfortable, but can leave the tooth exposed to experience an infection, cuts to the soft tissues, or other serious problems that can result in permanent removal. Instead, patients with a chipped tooth in the Brunswick, ME area should quickly contact Dr. James A. Oshetski to discuss a solution.

What To Do When a Tooth is Chipped

There are a few steps patients should take when it comes to handling a chipped tooth until they can get into the dental office. Patients should:

• Use gauze and apply pressure to the tooth if bleeding occurs
• Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for serious tooth pain
• Use a cold ice pack on the face to prevent swelling and reduce pain
• Use sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin, if available, to cover the broken edge to avoid cuts inside of the   mouth
• Eat soft foods and drink fluids until the tooth is repaired

Treatment Options

There are three options available when it comes to fixing a chipped tooth:

• Dental bonding: minor chips may be fixed with the use of composite resin bonding. This material is shaped in placed, filed, and polished to look like natural tooth enamel. It is helpful in situations where a cosmetic repair needs to be made.
• Porcelain veneers: teeth near the front of the mouth that becomes chipped may benefit from the placement of a porcelain veneer. This is a thin ceramic facing made to cover a tooth and disguise imperfections.
• Dental crown: some teeth can be covered with a dental cap, or crown, to strengthen and protect the tooth while restoring the aesthetic appearance.

Fix Your Chipped Tooth Today!

Patients in and around the area of Brunswick, ME are welcome to book a consultation visit with Dr. James A. Oshetski to discuss the benefits of cosmetic dental work. The office is located in Suite 409 at 14 Maine Street and accepting new patients. Call (207) 729-1159 to schedule an appointment.