By Arthur Kezian
Dental problems can occur any time. One example of a problem is a chipped or fractured tooth. Dr. Kezian, a specialist in dental procedures, will help you understand a chipped tooth and how it can be repaired.
What is a Chipped Tooth?
·
A blow to the face, catching a baseball or
tennis ball on the chin, or even biting into something hard can all cause a
chipped tooth.
·
This is more likely to occur if the
tooth has experienced a lot of decay or already has a deep cavity.
·
Should you ever have a chipped
tooth, do not panic; Dr. Kezian and his staff are specialists with knowledge of
the various restoration procedures available to revamp that gorgeous smile of yours.
It is important to know what to do and avoid doing when you discover that
one of your teeth have chipped.
•
The first thing to do upon realizing that you
have chipped or broken teeth is to seek a dentist immediately. The reason being
that failing to do so could lead to further damage, infection, or tooth loss.
•
Once you make an appointment with a dentist, you
should take care of your injury by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. In case you experience pain, use the salt
water rinse and take a pain reliever.
•
Avoid eating and try to eat soft foods or
liquids if you have to.
•
Never attempt to bite down with your
chipped teeth; you don’t want them chipping further.
How to Cater for Minor Chipped Teeth?
If the chip is of a minor nature, it is possible
for your tooth to be repaired in one quick visit. A chip can be fixed using
composite bondings. With advanced dental technology, the bonding can look very
natural! During the procedure, an adhesive is used to bond the resin to your
tooth and shape it accordingly to your tooth’s anatomy. An ultraviolet light is
then used to harden the resin. A couple adjustments will be made to make sure
your bite is on point and the new bonding is smooth, and the repair is
complete.
What Happens when the Chipped Tooth
has Decay?
When a large piece of your tooth is
missing or there is significant amount of decay in your fractured tooth, your dentist will either cap or crown the
damaged tooth. This is usually a two-visit appointment. The procedure commences
with x-rays. Once the diagnosis of your tooth is complete, upon your approval,
the treatment will start. Your tooth will be prepped, minimizing its structure
to make room for the crown that will sit atop it. You will be given a temporary
crown to provide structural support for your tooth until your second
appointment, where your permanent crown will be ready.
What Other Restoration Methods are Available
for Chipped Teeth?
If the tooth is severely damaged, a root
canal is performed to save the tooth. Your teeth have nerves and a pulp
chamber, and when infected or damaged, can cause you excruciating pain. To free
you from pain, your dentist would remove the pulp, clean out the root canal,
and seal the chipped tooth to later crown it.
Another
alternative restoration method to damaged teeth involves the application of
veneers. Veneers are made of porcelain or resin, and are thin custom fit shells
used to cover chipped teeth. They are attached to the frontal surface of your
chipped teeth. Just like crowns, veneers also require a two-visit appointment.
If you have ever have a chipped tooth,
don’t wait around. Call a dentist immediately and plan a treatment together.
You and your dentist can review the aforementioned options and decide which is
best for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Arthur A.
Kezian DDS and staff. We are here to guide you through the entire process.
Dr.
Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles , CA
90004
-N.S.
