When you chip or crack a tooth, this isn’t just a cosmetic issue. In fact, even minor damage is considered a dental emergency, one that could lead to major complications unless treated! In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist looks at how to respond to chipped teeth, and what we can do to restore your smile.
Don’t Ignore a Dental Emergency
Any damage to a tooth is an emergency situation, as this could potentially expose inner structure to bacteria, a complication that invites tooth decay and dental infection, not to mention a higher risk of tooth loss. When you notice a tooth is broken or cracked, try to recover any lost pieces and bring them with you to the office. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply a piece of gauze or cloth to the bleeding area. A cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face could prevent major swelling. Give us a call to schedule an appointment, even if the issue occurs outside of normal office hours. We will then arrange a time to see you as soon as possible.
We Can Offer Repair
For minor chips, we may use dental bonding. The procedure uses the same metal-free composite resin that makes our fillings look natural and only takes one visit to complete. Since cracked teeth could be more complicated, we may instead place a dental crown. We will take steps to ensure the crown looks natural and protects the tooth from further injury, decay, or infection. Treatment helps stop discomfort and safeguard your smile against further complications, while also offering repair that looks natural!
Protecting Your Smile
You can also take steps to help protect your smile from further injury. For example, if you play sports then talk to us about a custom mouthguard, which can shield the teeth from major injuries, lowering the risk of cracks, chips, or teeth knocked loose. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene too, as protecting your teeth from decay prevents the enamel from being compromised. Strong tooth enamel means a lowered risk of a dental injury. If you sustain an injury but no damage is visible, consider still making an appointment, as fractures tend to be invisible to the naked eye. If you have any questions about how we treat chipped teeth and address other emergency situations, such as loose fillings or crowns, discomfort, or loose teeth, then contact our team today to learn more or schedule a visit.
Do You Have Questions About Emergency Dentistry?
Our team knows how to offer lifelike repair for minor and severe damage. To learn more about our approach to emergency dentistry and the lifelike treatment options we offer, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
