Come to Cardinal Dental of La Mesa, Ca.!
Accidents happen – even to adults. What should you do if you have a chipped or broken tooth? Whether you fell, hit your face, or had some other kind of incident, a chipped or broken tooth is more than an inconvenience – it’s a medical issue that often requires a dentist’s attention. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to take action quickly to minimize damage and reduce the risk of infection or further complications. If you are in the La Mesa, Ca. area, Cardinal Dental can help you!
If you find yourself with a broken or chipped tooth, here are the steps you should follow:
1. Assess the Damage
- Minor Chips: If the chip is small and doesn’t hurt, it might be purely cosmetic. However, you should still see your dentist to ensure there is no internal damage.
- Large Breaks or Cracks: If the tooth is broken significantly or you feel pain, there might be damage to the pulp (inner tissue) or nerve.
2. Control Bleeding (if any)
- If there’s bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and use a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag to apply pressure to stop it.
3. Protect the Tooth
- Avoid Chewing: Try not to chew on the side with the broken or chipped tooth to avoid further damage.
- Use Dental Wax or Temporary Filling: If the break is sharp, you can use dental wax (available at pharmacies) to cover the broken edge to prevent it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
4. Manage Pain (if any)
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain or swelling.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling or pain.
5. Save Any Pieces of the Tooth
- If a large chunk of the tooth has broken off, try to save it. Your dentist might be able to reattach it, especially if it’s a clean break.
- If the break is significant, causes pain, or involves the tooth’s nerve, contact your dentist immediately. They may be able to restore the tooth with fillings, bonding, or crowns, depending on the extent of the damage.
Unlike most of the human body, teeth do not have extensive healing capabilities, and once the enamel (surface) of the tooth is injured in some manner, it does not have the ability to heal itself. A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that encases the entire surface of a damaged tooth and is placed to stabilize, restore, and prevent further damage. Crowns can be an effective solution if you have broken or fractured teeth or a tooth damaged from trauma.
At Cardinal Dental in La Mesa, Ca., we make the process of getting a dental crown as simple and straightforward as possible. On your treatment appointment the damaged tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed while the custom ceramic crown is being created at the laboratory. At the next appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the permanent crown is affixed to the tooth using luting cement. Voila! Your tooth is completely restored, and a beautiful smile is created.
Who Can You Call if You Have a Broken or Chipped Tooth?
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, Cardinal Dental can help. When you come into Cardinal Dental in La Mesa, Ca., we will carefully evaluate the damage to your teeth, and discuss your options. If restoration is needed, dental crowns can be an affordable, long-lasting solution to restore your damaged teeth and your beautiful smile. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, click here or call us at (619) 345-7999 today!
