Our teeth are very strong and coated in enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. However, our teeth can still become chipped or broken. What should you do when you break a tooth? In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about how to repair a tooth and avoid serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addressing Broken Teeth
Question: Does a chipped tooth mean decay?
Answer: A chipped tooth means the outer layer of enamel, which protects your tooth from harmful bacteria, has become compromised. In many cases, bacteria can bypass the damage from a broken or chipped tooth and reach the dentin, which is a more sensitive layer of tooth structure. Cavities can then form and eventually, an infection. In order to ensure your smile remains healthy and free of these serious complications, we suggest seeing the dentist as soon as possible.
Question: What should I do before seeing the dentist?
Answer: When you chip a tooth, try to recover any pieces you can. If this proves impossible, don’t worry, we can still repair your tooth. Rinse with warm water. You can use a piece of cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding and place a cold compress against the side of the face to reduce swelling. Then, give our office a call to schedule a visit so we can repair the tooth.
Question: How will you fix my tooth?
Answer: We have a number of different options for repairing a tooth. For minor damage we can use composite resin, the same material we use for our tooth-colored fillings, to fix the tooth in one visit. More serious damage can be addressed with a custom-made and natural looking dental crown. Both options will ensure the newly fixed tooth blends with your smile. If you have any questions about addressing damaged teeth, or about our repair options, then contact our team today.
Do You Have a Broken Tooth?
If you have a damaged tooth, then give us a call as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, call Viva Dental Family Dentistry at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
