You’re out playing a sport and you take a hit to the mouth. You realize a piece of your tooth was chipped during the injury. What do you do?
You’re crunching on some food or ice at home and all of a sudden your tooth gives way and piece is chipped. What do you do?
You have a several options for treatment and a few steps to take immediately after chipping your tooth.
Immediate Care for Your Tooth
First things first, don’t panic. Oral medicine is so advanced today that a dentist can save a tooth in so many situations. If you’re missing a small piece or most of the tooth, Dr. Gentry Gonzalez will be able to fix the tooth, as if nothing happened. So don’t panic.
Second, make an appointment to see Dr. Gonzalez as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the tooth may become and infection is possible. Go ahead and call Valleydale Dental to schedule an appointment.
Third, if you’re experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain medication and rinse your mouth with salt water to clean both the tooth and your mouth. If the chipped area is sharp or jagged, then place a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless gum on the tooth to keep it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
The severity of the chip or break will determine the treatment Dr. Gonzalez can conduct to save your tooth.
Dental Filling or Bonding
If a small piece has been chipped, Dr. Gonzalez will likely be able to fill the area. If a front tooth is chipped, then dental bonding is necessary. Bonding uses a colored composite resin to add to the tooth’s surface, repairing the chipped area and restoring the look and feel of your tooth. This is a painless process.
Using a Dental Crown
If a larger piece is broken or the tooth has a lot of decay, then a dental crown is necessary. Dr. Gonzalez applies a crown by filing the remaining tooth down and covering it with a crown. Porcelain and resin crowns look identical to real teeth and patients often forget they have a crown after a few weeks.
If a dentist uses a crown, they typically make a mold and send it to be created in a lab. The great news about Dr. Gentry Gonzalez is that he has equipment in his office to create crowns and fit a patient all in one visit. No more waiting several weeks for a crown to arrive and then fit. In one visit Dr. Gonzalez can repair your tooth with a crown and send you on your way.
Dental Veneers for Front Teeth
Similar to crowns, veneers are used for chipped and broken front teeth. Dr. Gonzalez will remove a small portion of enamel from the tooth. Then he will take an impression of the tooth and prepare the veneer in his office. Then he’ll fit the porcelain veneer perfectly and guarantee everything feels normal.
So, don’t panic. Dr. Gonzalez will restore your broken or chipped tooth. All you need to do is schedule an appointment and come ready to have your tooth fixed.
If you haven’t been to Valleydale Dental in Birmingham, then you’re in for a treat. Dr. Gonzalez is extremely talented and his staff members are a joy to be around. Your appointment at Valleydale Dental will be like no other dental visit.
