Have you ever broken a tooth? Whether through sports injury or biting down on a particularly hard piece of food, our teeth can become chipped or broken. Instead of panicking, you should talk to your dentist right away. We can repair the tooth and protect it from decay and/or infection.
Responding to a Broken Tooth
Once you’re aware that you’ve broken or chipped a tooth then see your dentist as soon as possible. We offer emergency services to help repair your smile when damage occurs.
Before seeing the dentist, try to gather any pieces of the tooth. If this isn’t possible, then we can still repair the tooth. If the area is bleeding you can apply gauze. A cold compress against the side of the face can reduce swelling as well.
Don’t Avoid the Dentist!
You may think the damage is minor and that may be true. However, if the enamel is damaged then bacteria can reach the layers of dentin underneath. Eventually, a cavity can form, leading to discomfort and an elevated risk of infection. You should always have the dentist examine a damage tooth to make sure it doesn’t need treatment.
Will You Need a Crown or Bonding?
What treatment will the doctor use to repair the tooth? For minor chips dental bonding can be used to correct the tooth in one visit. We apply several layers of a composite resin after removing any decay. The tooth is reshaped as the material cures under a light. We can shade the material to help it better blend with the tooth.
If the damage is more substantial, then we consider placing a dental crown. The restoration fits over the tooth, protecting it from decay and infection. If you have any questions about repairing a broken tooth then please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
