When you play sports, there’s always a risk of an injury—but what happens when you damage a tooth during a play and need a chipped tooth repair after the game?
Make an Appointment with Your Dentist Immediately
Whether you or a loved one has damaged a tooth while scoring the winning goal, getting caught up in a tussle on the field, or sliding into home, the first thing you’ll need to do is make an appointment with a dentist. Although you might feel the need to panic, try not to worry. Once you get to your dentist, you’ll have a few options for fixing the tooth and making it as good as new.
It might take a couple of days to get to your dentist for your chipped tooth repair, so in the meantime be sure to take care of any pain by using an over-the-counter pain medication and applying an ice pack to any sensitive areas. Until you get to the dentist, it’s best to avoid hard foods. Stick with soft foods like puddings, soups, and anything that won’t put any pressure on your damaged tooth.
What Happens at Your Chipped Tooth Repair Appointment
Once you get into your dentist appointment, your dentist will evaluate what type of chipped tooth repair is most appropriate for your situation. It’s likely that your dentist will recommend one of the three following procedures:
1. Dental Filling or Bonding
Dental filling or bonding is an option if your tooth just has a small chip in it. If your chipped tooth is in an inconspicuous location in your mouth, your dentist will likely put a filling over it. However, if your chipped tooth is front and center (and people could see it when you smile), your dentist will try to conceal it a little better by bonding it with a tooth-colored composite.
2. Dental Veneer
A dental veneer is another option when you need to repair a chipped tooth, especially if your chipped tooth is in the front of your mouth. A veneer is a thin shell that covers your existing tooth and is a natural looking way to fix any chips or cracks.
3. Dental Crown
If your tooth has a large chip or crack in it, a dental crown may be what your dentist recommends to repair it. A dental crown will cover your chipped or cracked tooth and protect it from further damage. Although you may think of a dental crown as metal, they come in all different materials to match your tooth, such as porcelain and resin.
4. Root Canal
If a broken or chipped tooth is severe and exposes the pulp (the center of the tooth that contains tissues) then more aggressive action may need to be taken, such as a root canal. When pulp is exposed, your tooth can become infected. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the old pulp, clean your tooth, and then seal it up. It’s likely that you’ll also need a crown to protect your tooth.
Here at Angleton Family Dental, we want to assist you with your chipped tooth repair as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!
