Dental fractures are one of the most common dental emergencies. Like all other emergencies, they occur when we least expect them, and we don’t always respond to them in the best way. In this article, you will learn how to deal with a chipped tooth and what an emergency dentist in NW Calgary can do to restore its appearance and functionality.
Causes of a chipped tooth
The part of your tooth most affected by dental fractures is the enamel. It is the outer layer of your tooth that covers the crown. It is the hardest substance in the human body, but certain things can compromise its integrity. One of the most common causes for this is chewing or biting really hard foods, such as nuts and ice. Another reason why a tooth can become fractured is receiving direct trauma, like after falling or practicing a contact sport. These are not the only ways your tooth can become fractured since people who suffer from bruxism can also fracture a tooth during sleep.
What can you do?
If you have chipped your tooth, there are certain things you can do to minimize your discomfort before going to an emergency dentist near you. First, you should rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it and then examine your tooth. If there is some bleeding, you should control it by applying pressure with moist gauze. Once the bleeding is controlled, you can examine your tooth more thoroughly to decide the next steps.
Sometimes, dental fractures are just small fissures on the enamel that cause no pain and don’t require the care of a dentist near you. However, this is only sometimes the case. Sometimes, the tooth is severely compromised, even to the point where the nerve is exposed. These cases must be treated quickly to prevent complications such as tooth loss.
Minimize your discomfort while you wait.
It is only sometimes possible to go to the dental clinic straight away. Sometimes, you may have to wait a few days before visiting a dentist in NW Calgary. If this is your case, there are some things you can do to feel more comfortable. For example, sometimes, when a tooth is chipped, sharp fragments can affect the mouth’s soft tissues and even cut your tongue. Therefore, it is vital to examine the affected tooth, and if you see any sharp edges, you should put some dental wax over them.
It is common to experience pain and swelling during this time, so it is a good idea to start taking over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and apply a cold compress on your cheeks to minimize swelling. Also, stick to soft foods and chew only with the side of your mouth that isn’t compromised.
What can a dentist do?
Depending on the severity of your dental fracture, your dentist can perform various procedures to improve the appearance and functionality of your chipped tooth. In mild cases that involve small pieces of tooth, your dentist may suggest bonding. In this procedure, a composite material is used to make a natural-looking extension of your chipped tooth, which can be molded to achieve the perfect shape. Moderate cases that only affect the esthetics of your smile can be fixed with veneers or dental crowns that hide your tooth’s imperfections. Finally, severe cases that involve other dental tissues require more complex procedures, such as root canal treatment.
