Chipped or Broken Teeth
Chipping or breaking a tooth can be scary, but don’t worry! At Anchored Family Dental, we're here to help you. Whether it’s a minor chip or a bigger break, knowing what to do can protect your smile. Let’s explore how we can fix it and what steps you can take to keep your teeth strong.
Understanding Chipped or Broken Teeth
What Are Chipped or Broken Teeth?
A chipped tooth is when a small piece breaks off the edge of your tooth. It’s usually not painful, just a little sharp. A broken tooth means a bigger piece is missing. This can hurt and might cause problems if not treated. Knowing the difference helps us decide the best way to fix it.
Types of Tooth Damage:
- Chipped Tooth: Just a tiny edge is gone. It might cut your tongue, but it’s usually easy to fix.
- Broken Tooth: A larger part of the tooth is missing. This can be painful, and food might get stuck in the hole.
Common Causes:
- Biting down on something hard like candy or ice.
- Accidents or falls can knock a tooth out of place.
- Eating very chewy foods might cause damage.
- Cavities make teeth weaker and easier to break.
First Steps After Chipping or Breaking a Tooth
What to Do Right Away
When you chip or break a tooth, here’s how you can help it feel better fast:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This cleans your mouth and helps with swelling.
- If there’s pain, place a cold cloth on your cheek next to the broken tooth.
- Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the damaged tooth.
- If a piece of the tooth came off, try to save it. We might be able to use it when fixing your tooth.
- Always use caution and be gentle with your teeth.
When to Visit a Dentist:
- If there is heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop.
- If the broken tooth is painful or very sharp.
- Make sure to come see us at Anchored Family Dental soon.
Treatment Options at Anchored Family Dental
How We Fix Chipped or Broken Teeth
At Anchored Family Dental, we have several ways to fix your teeth and get your smile back into shape.
- Bonding: This treatment uses a special filling that can be molded to fill in small chips. It matches the color of your tooth, so no one will notice.
- Crowns: Crowns cover broken teeth completely to make them strong again. They look and feel natural.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin covers that adhere to the front of your teeth. They are great for fixing chips and cracks.
- Root Canal: If the tooth is hurt deep down, we might need to perform a root canal to save it.
Why Choose Anchored Family Dental?
- We offer gentle care that makes you feel at home.
- Our experienced team works hard to restore every smile.
- Our treatment plans are personalized to fit what you need.
- Located in Davidson, NC, we’re the neighborhood family dentist you can count on.
Preventing Future Tooth Damage
Easy Ways to Protect Your Teeth
Preventing problems is always better than fixing them. Here are some tips to keep your teeth in shape:
- Eating Habits: Be cautious with hard foods like nuts and avoid biting directly into hard candies or ice.
- Mouthguards: If you love sports, wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth from accidents.
- Regular Check-Ups: Visit us every six months. We’ll clean your teeth and check for any early signs of trouble.
Good Daily Habits
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss every day.
- Stop using your teeth to open packages. It’s hard work for them!
- Stay away from sticky or hard candies that can crack or weaken your teeth.
Get Your Smile Back on Track!
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, don’t wait any longer. At Anchored Family Dental, your smile is as important to us as it is to you. We’re ready to help you with chipped or broken teeth and guide you on how to prevent further damage. Keeping your family’s teeth safe is our priority.
Whether it’s a small chip or a larger break, we’re here for you. Contact us today, and let’s keep that beautiful smile shining!