Emergency Dentist: 5 Steps To Take When You Chip Your Tooth

You can end up with a chipped or cracked tooth for a variety of reasons. You may have fallen down or chewed on something hard, whatever the reason, a chipped tooth causes pain and discomfort. Some chips may be minor, while some may be large enough to penetrate through the inner layers of the teeth, and expose or damage the nerves. Due to the exposure of the nerves, you may feel pain and sensitivity while eating hot or cold foods. You cannot repair a chipped tooth at home, so you must see a dentist immediately to prevent the damage from turning into a severe dental issue. 
While the dentist will evaluate and repair your chipped tooth, there are ways in which pain can be reduced until you get to the dentist. 

1. Rinse you mouth with lukewarm water. This helps in getting rid of food particles and bacteria that can cause pain as well as severe damage. 
2. It is essential to stop any bleeding. Apply pressure with a clean piece of gauze on the area for 10 minutes. You can also use a tea bag if the cloth doesn’t work. 
3. Apply cold compress on your cheek or on the face, over the affected area, to reduce pain and swelling. 
4. You can also use dental cement, which can easily be found in a drug store, to temporarily cover the affected area until you get to the dentist. Apart from this, pain relievers can help minimize pain.
5. Rush to your Dentist:

As a chipped tooth cannot be treated at home, you need to see an emergency dentist. You may have a minor chip, a deep crack or a split tooth. Depending on the severity of the crack, the dentist will recommend the treatment to repair it. Several dental treatments can nurse a chipped tooth, leaving you with a beautiful smile.  

Bonding
 For a minor and uncomplicated chip, your dentist may suggest bonding. It is a simple procedure, wherein the dentist will roughen the remaining enamel and shape the composite to create a natural looking extension. After this, the composite is set on the tooth by using a light that hardens the material. If taken proper care, composite bonding can last up to 10 years. 

Veneers
Veneers are porcelain covers for your tooth. They are applied to the front of your teeth, producing a smooth, natural look. Veneers are used for severe cracks as well as if you have cracked your bonding several times. They can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care.  

Crowns
These are used when the crack causes loss of large part of your tooth. Like veneers, they also are porcelain covers for the teeth. The difference is only that, crowns shield the whole tooth, while veneers cover only the front part of the tooth. They can repair the damage, correct the tooth shape and improve your appearance. A crown acts as a protective cover for the tooth, preventing further damage such as tooth decay or exposed nerves.

Dental Implants
 If you have a crack that extends below the gum line, and the tooth can’t be saved then you can replace it with a dental implant. They are artificial roots placed in your jaw to support replaced tooth or crowns. 
While there are ways to minimize pain and discomfort, you cannot repair a chipped tooth by yourself. A chip can occur unexpectedly hence, it is best to contact an emergency dental service to prevent severe dental issues. ​

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