Chipping a tooth can come as a particularly unpleasant surprise during an otherwise ordinary day. This mishap can result in expensive dental bills, and it could even result in the permanent loss of the tooth. Given the potential severity of such a seemingly small event, it is important to know how to handle a chipped tooth. When you chip your tooth, it is essential to go to a cosmetic dentistry Houston office right away. The longer you wait for care, the more damage the chipped tooth can create. In addition to causing more damage, waiting to seek care may cost you more money than seeking care immediately. By knowing how to handle a chipped tooth, you can possibly save the tooth, while doing your pocketbook some favors.

Go to the Dentist Immediately

If you chip a tooth, there are a few steps to follow that may allow you to save your tooth and money. If you can find the chipped part of the tooth, place it in a plastic bag with a few drops of water. You can then bring this material to your dentist. As long as the chip does not occur across a broken nerve, the dentist should be able to refasten the chip to the tooth. Once you detect the chip, you should rinse your mouth out with warm water. If there is any bleeding in the mouth resulting from the chipped tooth, apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze. In order to control swelling, you should place an ice pack on the area and make it a priority to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Waiting can cause permanent damage to the tooth. Not only is nerve damage painful, but also it is also costly to treat. A dentist will be able to determine whether or not an infection has occurred. In some cases, an abscess might take hold in the affected region.

Size of Chip

Depending upon the size of the chip in the tooth, there are different strategies for remedying your distress. A small chip in the tooth may require the application of bonding or another material to smooth the tooth. A medium sized chip may result in a filling or crown in order to restore the tooth to its normal appearance and function. A larger chip, however, may necessitate a root canal or a cap. The size of the chip will determine the particular treatment necessary, and it is best for the dentist to take into considerations all of these factors when devising a treatment plan.

Protect Your Smile

A chipped tooth can tarnish your smile–one of your most important features and assets. For this reason, you should consider visiting a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist will be able to restore your tooth, which will keep your smile bright and healthy. A cosmetic dentist will also be able to match the affected tooth to the rest of your teeth. Other methods of restoration may result in color shifts in your teeth, leading to slight shade differences between teeth when smiling. By visiting a cosmetic dentist, you can ensure that your smile will be one shade.

Knowing how to deal with a chipped tooth can save you a lot of money and your smile. Going to a cosmetic dentistry Houston office immediately will restore your tooth, ensuring aesthetic appeal and proper function. Chipping a tooth can be momentarily devastating, but it does not have to ruin your smile forever. Contact OMSH as soon as possible!