Can a Tooth That is Broken in Half Be Fixed?

Imagine this – you are munching on your favorite candy, and suddenly, you feel something hard in your mouth that does not dissolve. To your horror, you realize that it is a chipped tooth. If you have ever experienced this, you know how distressing it can be. A broken or chipped tooth can do more than just dragging the aesthetics of your smile down. Failure to get the problem addressed in a timely manner can increase your risk of serious health issues. From freaky accidents to tooth decay, there are several causes of a chipped tooth. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, the last thing you want to do is panic. There are several treatment options designed to fix the problem. Your emergency dentist in Jonesboro will help you choose an option that best fits your needs.

Caring For a Chipped Tooth

If you have a chipped or fractured tooth, see your dentist as soon as you can. Trust us when we say that you don’t want to put off the decision of seeing an emergency dentist in Jonesboro for long. A chipped tooth is a window of opportunity for bacteria that won’t let any chance of partying at the expense of your dental health pass them by. The more you delay the decision, the higher your chances of you losing the tooth. Some self-care measures that you can take immediately after chipping a tooth are:

• If the chipped tooth is causing significant discomfort or pain, take acetaminophen or any other over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Thoroughly rinse your mouth with salt water.
• Cover sharp or jagged edges (if any) with sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to prevent them from damaging your tongue.
• Eat soft foods. Avoid using the damaged tooth for biting or chewing.

Chipped Tooth Treatment Options

When deciding the best treatment option for you, your dentist will consider the severity of the problem. While minor issues such as a small broken piece of enamel can be fixed easily (usually in one visit), a severely damaged tooth may require a complex and lengthy procedure. Here are some options to discuss with your dentist.

Dental Filling

If you chipped an enamel, your dentist may use dental fillings to close the gap. If you have a chipped or damaged front tooth, the expert may perform a process known as bonding, which involves bonding the tooth with a binding material.

Dental Cap or Crown

If you chipped a large piece of a tooth, your dentist will cover the remaining part with a dental cap to protect the tooth. In case the entire top is broken off, but the root is intact, an endodontist may perform a root canal.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is usually used to hide a broken or chipped front tooth. A veneer is typically made from porcelain or resin-composite materials. Veneers cover the front of the tooth with a thick section.

Timely expert help is the key to saving a broken or chipped tooth. The only predictable thing about dental emergencies is that they are unpredictable. A dental emergency can occur at any time. To ensure that people with dental emergencies get professional help when they need it the most, Dentfirst Dental Care offers emergency dental care in Jonesboro. Our dental experts have made it their mission to touch the lives of people battling dental nightmares. To book a consultation session, call us at 404-334-7622.