A chipped tooth is a serious concern, but the problem can become even more severe if it is not treated promptly. To prevent issues such as a tooth infection or tooth loss from occurring, it is important to know when to see a dentist and how to care for the tooth before and after treatment is administered by a dentist.
The best way to deal with a chipped tooth is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. If a chipped tooth does occur, the person should try and do all that they can to ensure that further damage does not occur. The following is a review of how to prevent further damage to a chipped tooth.
The overall discomfort from a chipped tooth can be fairly severe, and if left untreated, the pain, swelling and sensitivity are likely to linger or worsen. More notably, not treating a chipped tooth promptly can cause more serious concerns. If the chip extends toward the root of the tooth, then the dental pulp may be infected. If this occurs, then root canal therapy is likely necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. At the very least, a chipped tooth that is left untreated will make it much more difficult to function daily.
Any time that serious symptoms exist when a chipped tooth occurs, a trip to the dentist for emergency treatment is necessary. Common serious symptoms include:
Minor symptoms are to be expected, and many instances of a chipped tooth can be treated initially at home. However, all instances of a chipped tooth require treatment within a week or two following the accident, regardless of the severity of the symptoms.
A chipped tooth does not always require immediate dental attention. However, a chipped tooth that is severely painful, leads to uncontrollable bleeding or causes the root of the tooth to become exposed should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. A minor chipped tooth, however, can typically be managed through over-the-counter pain reliever and a cold compress until a more convenient dental visit can be scheduled.
Patients can reduce their risk of a damaged tooth in the future by wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, working construction or while sleeping if nighttime teeth grinding is a concern, along with avoiding eating hard foods or biting down on ice.
If you have suffered a chipped tooth and want to learn more about your treatment options or schedule a visit with an experienced dentist, then give us a call or send us an email. Here at our dentistry, we value safety and comfort, and we can guide you through each step of the treatment process.
Are you considering chipped tooth treatment in the Philadelphia area? Get more information at https://frankforddentalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth in Philadelphia, PA.
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