It can hurt when you have a chipped tooth. Your teeth can be chipped in myriad ways, and the damage can vary from something minor to severe. If you chip your tooth, you should contact your dentist to find a permanent method of fixing it.
Most dentists don’t advise home fixes for chipped teeth; however, there are a few things you can try out before your next dentist visit. Here is everything you need to know and do after chipping your tooth.
What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?
If you chip a tooth, it’s advisable to rinse your mouth with warm water. In case of any bleeding, you should apply pressure and a cold compress to reduce any swelling. If you feel pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, but you should stick with the recommended dosage. Applying clove oil to the area can also help since it contains eugenol. This can help you protect your mouth until you visit your dentist.
Treatment for Minor Chips
Dental bonding is the best treatment option for minor chips. The process uses special tooth-colored resins to mask the chip from view. Bonding can also be a great solution when addressing minor spacing issues, cavities or when you want to cover up tooth discoloration.
Treatment for More Severe Chips
There are a few options to consider in case of a more severe chip. The first is porcelain veneers. They help deal with aesthetic chips since they are affixed onto the front of your teeth to mask any imperfections from view. These veneers are made from thin shells of dental ceramic. They can also help hide tooth gaps, stains, asymmetry, and minor issues. You can also opt for dental restoration when you have a more severe chip. Using inlays and onlays can help restore larger chips, including the cusp. Another solution for more severe chips is dental crowns. These caps fit over your teeth, thus protecting the remaining tooth structure. They can help restore your bite, and they are available in metal and tooth-colored forms.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Fixing a chipped tooth can cost between $300 to $5,000. The price varies depending on the treatment method used to repair your tooth. Bonding is a budget-friendly option, while crowns are more expensive. Other factors that will affect the cost of repair include the location of the tooth and the severity of the chip.
What Foods Should I Avoid After Fixing a Chipped Tooth?
It’s advisable to avoid colored food after fixing your chipped tooth. This helps you avoid the risk of a stain on the tooth. Furthermore, you should avoid cold or hot drinks and hard foods. Other foods to avoid include anything gummy or sticky like candies since they can pull out the bonded tooth or veneers.
Chipping your tooth can be painful. However, there are many ways to repair the chip, be it small or big. Seeing your dentist can help you know about the best permanent solutions for your chipped tooth. The tips above help you understand what you need to do after chipping your tooth.
If you have experienced a chipped tooth, reach out to us at Southbridge Dentistry to help correct it. It doesn’t matter how severe you have chipped your tooth. Our staff will restore your smile! You can request an appointment or call us at (303) 798-4967.