If you fall while playing sports or bite into hard food, you might chip or fracture a tooth. A dentist can provide restoration treatment to improve the appearance and function of your smile. However, prior to your appointment, you may wonder how to stay comfortable and prevent problems from worsening. This guide outlines what to know about caring for and treating broken teeth.

How to Handle a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth can irritate or damage the inner nerves and pulp, which may lead to aches and pains. It might also expose interior layers of the tooth to saliva, air, foods, and drinks, which can exacerbate discomfort. You can counteract this by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible since you may need to wait a day or two before they can fit you in.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times daily to cleanse bacteria from the broken tooth and reduce the risk of infections. If the affected tooth has any sharp edges, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugar-free gum to protect the inner cheeks and tongue. Consume soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, and bananas, in the interim. This will minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of further damage to the chipped tooth.  

Solutions for Chipped Teeth 

The severity of the damage often determines the type of treatment needed to fix a chipped tooth. If you've lost a small piece of the enamel, a dentist might apply a filling to restore the tooth. In the event of more extensive chipping, they may provide bonding. This involves etching the tooth surface with gel before applying adhesive and composite resin, which your dentist will shape to match the look and feel of your natural tooth. 

If you chip one of the front teeth, you may need a dental veneer. This thin shell is made from porcelain or composite resin. A dental lab custom-creates it to match the shape, size, and color of your natural tooth. A dentist will use dental cement to bond the veneer to your original tooth to mask the damage. 

If you lose a substantial amount of tooth material, a crown may be the best solution. This porcelain, resin, or ceramic covering fits over the chewing surface and is bonded to the tooth with cement. It can protect the inner pulp from irritation and infections while restoring the structure and function of the tooth.

If you chip a tooth, reach out to William B. Collier Jr., DMD, in Enterprise, AL. This dentist provides cosmetic, preventative, and general dental care services to clients of all ages throughout the Wiregrass Region. They offer everything from oral cancer screenings to teeth whitening to keep your smile healthy and bright. Call (334) 347-5026 to book an appointment with this family dentist. Visit the website to learn more about how Dr. Collier can maintain and improve your smile.