Whether by accident or injury, chipping a tooth can actually be fairly common. Some activities do put you at a higher risk of chipping a tooth, such as contact sports. Other culprits for a chipped tooth include chewing hard foods like candy, kernels of popcorn or ice. Using teeth as tools, like for opening packages or removing clothing tags, can also damage your teeth.
Regardless, if you chip or lose a tooth entirely, there are steps you should take to ensure the best possible treatment result. Read on for more.
Precautions and next steps
Dr. Mitchell Milan has been treating the dental health of metro Detroit families for over 20 years. As such, he has seen his share of tooth injuries. As an expert in cosmetic dentistry in southeast Michigan, Dr. Milan can offer unique solutions to a wide array of tooth issues.
It’s important to understand that the best measure is to take the proper precautions to avoid chipping a tooth altogether. This means wearing a custom mouthguard during sports-related activities. Also, visiting your dentist regularly and taking excellent care of your teeth at home can help ensure that your teeth are their strongest and healthiest.
If you chip your tooth, it’s important to apply direct pressure with a cloth or gauze to halt bleeding. If you are experiencing swelling, icing the area can help reduce it. You should also rinse your mouth with saltwater to help avoid any infection.
Getting in to see your dentist right away is also essential. If you cannot visit your dentist immediately, you should take care to consume soft foods until the tooth is repaired to avoid further chips or cracks.
For a tooth that has been knocked out or is completely missing due to injury, you should try to put the tooth back in the socket if you are able, to increase the chances of salvaging your tooth. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of your saliva or milk (don’t put the tooth in water) when transporting it to the dentist. In either case, time is of the essence to prevent infection.
Smaller chips can sometimes be smoothed or repaired with bonding or fillings. For teeth that are extensively chipped or missing, a cap or veneer may be the best solution.
Dr. Mitchell Milan, cosmetic dentist in Birmingham
As a premier cosmetic dentist in Birmingham, Michigan, Dr. Mitchell Milan is proud to offer cutting-edge dental treatments that can restore and rejuvenate any smile. As an expert in veneers, Invisalign, professional teeth whitening and more, Dr. Milan has been credited with transforming thousands of smiles over the years. In fact, there’s just about no smile that he can’t treat.
With a state-of-the-art dentist office in Michigan and a highly-trained staff, Dr. Milan’s expertise in cosmetic dentistry and dental aesthetics is simply unmatched while his bedside manner and caring nature are what patients appreciate just as much as the stellar results he provides.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency or simply wish to achieve a gorgeous, healthy smile, then please contact Dr. Milan today. He and his team are eager to serve you.