Talk to Us if You Have a Chipped Tooth
March 20, 2020
Often, when people chip or break a tooth, they underestimate the severity of the situation. Even if the issue appears to primarily be cosmetic, a chipped tooth could threaten the health and stability of your smile! If you have damaged a tooth, then let your Kansas City, MO, dentist know so we can offer treatment to restore your smile to full function, health, and beauty once more!
The Causes (And Health Risks) Of Damaged Teeth
Our teeth are coated in enamel, which is incredibly strong and durable. However, plaque buildup could weaken the layer over time, caused by bacteria consuming food particles left on and between the teeth. The resulting erosion allows cavities to form, which weakens tooth structure. Your teeth could also become damaged due to a sports accident or an injury. Even biting down on hard bits of foods, like ice or a popcorn kernel, could potentially crack or chip a tooth. When damage occurs, this allows bacteria access to the inner structures and leads to the onset of cavities and even infections! Unless treated, this could mean a higher risk of tooth loss for some patients.
What Do I Do Next?
If you damage a tooth, don’t panic! Rinse your mouth with warm water and them use a bit of cloth or gauze to control any bleeding. To stop facial swelling, hold a cold compress or ice pack against the side of the face. You can take a pain reliever too. Call our office to set up a time to see us so we can repair your tooth. If you can recover any missing pieces, then bring them with you to the office. If you sustain an injury to your smile, but no damage is present, let us know, as fractures are often invisible to the naked eye.
How Do We Repair Smiles?
We have a few different options to fix a tooth. For minor chips, cosmetic dental bonding could repair them in a single visit. We use the same metal-free and lifelike material employed with our tooth-colored fillings. For more substantial damage, we may create and place a dental crown, which covers the visible portion of your tooth and provides a greater level of security. We often use this option to prevent infections due to cracked teeth. If you have any questions about how to avoid injuries, or of you have a damaged tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
We don’t want your cracked or chipped tooth to lead to uncomfortable and severe oral health issues. To learn more about our restorative treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-897-4288.