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featured image for repairing a chipped or broken tooth

Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth

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When a tooth is chipped or broken, it is not only an aesthetic problem. In fact, this can lead to functional issues, further tooth decay, and even tooth loss if not treated. That is why a damaged tooth requires immediate attention and emergency dental care. In this article, we will talk about the options for repairing a chipped or broken tooth.

First Steps if Your Tooth Is Broken or Chipped

Of course, the first step is to make an appointment at a clinic that has emergency dental services. While you are waiting for your appointment, try doing the following:

  • Preserve a piece of your tooth that broke off—it might be possible to use it for restoration.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water to eliminate the bacteria and prevent inflammation.
  • If you have to eat, chew on the other side of your mouth and opt for soft or liquid foods to eliminate the possibility of damaging the tooth further
  • Be careful if the broken tooth edges are sharp—they might damage the surrounding soft tissue in your mouth. You can place a sugarless gum over it.
  • If you feel acute pain, take over-the-counter painkillers, for example, Ibuprofen.
  • If your tooth is knocked out of its socket completely, you should act quickly. Make sure that the tooth is clean by rinsing it with water or milk. Do not try to dry it with any materials. Then, try putting your tooth back in its socket. It will increase the chances of its survival. If you can not put it back in the socket, put it in milk or water within 5 minutes after it was knocked out and try to see a dentist within the first 30-60 minutes after the trauma.

Repairing a Chipped or Broken Tooth

When you finally see your dentist, they might suggest different options for restoration, depending on the severity of the case.

Dental Filling or Bonding

In cases when a small piece of enamel is chipped, the tooth can be repaired with dental filling. If a front tooth is damaged, then dental bonding can be a more suitable option. A tooth-colored composite resin is typically used for the procedure of bonding. The procedure of dental bonding is usually painless. Firstly, the surface of the tooth will be prepared by making it rougher so the bonding material can adhere better. Then, the resin will be applied with the help of a special adhesive material. The resin will be shaped like your natural tooth and then hardened with an ultraviolet light.

Dental Crowns

If a larger piece of a tooth breaks off, a dental crown can be the right solution for the problem. Your doctor will help you choose a material for your crown. Then, the tooth will be prepared by filing down its enamel, after which the crown will be placed to cover the tooth completely. Dental crowns are used to support the damaged tooth structure, prevent it from further damage, and improve the tooth’s appearance. If you choose a porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic crown, it will most likely be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

In cases when the entire tooth is broken off at a gum line, but the root still remains in the socket, you might require root canal therapy. A metal post can be placed in the canal to support a dental crown that will be put on top of it. Root canal therapy is also used if the pulp of the tooth is exposed due to the damage. The dead or infected parts of the pulp will be removed, and the root canal will be cleaned and sealed to avoid infections in the future.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an especially great option for restoring chipped or broken front teeth. Veneer is a thin porcelain shell that covers the front of the tooth and looks exactly like your natural teeth. It can effectively mask any cosmetic imperfections of your teeth. Dental veneers can also be used to adjust the shape, size, and color of your teeth. One thing to note is that receiving veneers involves filing down the enamel of the tooth, thus this procedure is considered irreversible.

Make an Appointment Today

If you had a dental trauma resulting in a chipped or broken tooth, do not postpone a visit to a dental office. Call Samaritan Dental today, and we will sign you up for an appointment with an emergency services dentist. Our specialists will make sure that your tooth is repaired and your dental health is preserved. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office.

Portrait Of Happy Patient In Dental Chair.

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

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Dental Emergencies

It’s impossible to predict when an accident can happen. Sometimes, dental emergencies come when you least expect them. If you are struck with an injury or accident in the middle of the night, and you aren’t able to get to your dentist right away, there are special steps you can take to provide immediate care for yourself and prevent any permanent damages from occurring.

 

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be your go-to dentist in downtown Los Angeles in the event of an emergency. If you ever run into an accident which causes a broken tooth or bleeding gums, we want to make sure you can get the proper care that you need. Before stopping in for an emergency visit, here are a couple of crucial steps you should take on your own before any big problems arise.

For Chipped or Broken Teeth

If your tooth is chipped or broken, try as best as you can to save the pieces of the tooth that have fallen out. Then, you should rinse your mouth out using warm water, but not too hot. Put some medical gauze in your mouth to stop any bleeding that may have occurred as a result of the accident.

 

You may experience some swelling and pain. In order to ease the swelling, put a cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth near the damaged area. Then, make an appointment to see us as soon as possible.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out completely, it is vital that you retrieve the tooth as best as you can. Make sure to hold it by the crown, rather than the root – this area is too sensitive and susceptible to damage. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in warm water. Make sure not to scrub it or use soap.

 

Try to put your tooth back into your mouth in its original position. If you feel like you have to force it into your socket, do not attempt to put the tooth in. The best thing for you to do in this case is to put the tooth in a container of milk to preserve it. If you have a cell-growth solution such as Save-a-Tooth, you can put it into that solution as well. Then, make an appointment to see us as soon as you can, so that we may save your tooth and apply it back into its correct position.

Abscess or Infections

Some injuries, especially those that cause the gums or lips to bleed, may become the host for infection. If you have an abscess, which is noticeable by infections around the roots and gums, you must make an appointment to see us right away. Infection is a serious issue that can quickly and easily spread to the rest of the mouth. An abscess should not be left untreated in any scenario.

 

If you suffer from an accident that causes your lips, gums, or mouth to bleed, or if you have a dislodged or broken tooth, you must consult a professional as soon as possible.

Dentist in Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, we are dedicated to providing affordable and top-quality care to all patients. Our friendly staff members are here to help with every need, and we are always available to answer any concerns you may have. If you need help with a dental emergency, or if you are interested in making an evening appointment with the top dentist in downtown Los Angeles, you can contact us online for more information. You can also give us a call at (213) 986-2933 to schedule an appointment at any time!