Accidents happen when you least expect it. If you chip one of your teeth, you should see us at OnCall Dental in Fresno as soon as possible.
If you’re in a lot of pain, there are things you can do before you get to our office. The first thing is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofin or acetaminophen.
It’s also a good idea to rinse out your mouth with salt water. This will help to minimize the risk of infection.
With a chipped tooth, there is a good chance you’ll have a jagged or sharp edge. Don’t worry, we can fix it, and we’ll get to that in a moment. In the meantime, though, you can cover it up with a piece of gum (use sugarless). That should keep you from hurting your tongue or cheek. Another idea is to cover it with a piece of wax paraffin.
Once you get here, we’ll examine the damage and figure out the best way to fix it. There are several options.
Filling or bonding. This is a good choice if the chip is small. If it’s a front tooth we can use a composite resin material that matches the color of your teeth. This is known as bonding, and it can usually be done in one office visit.
Porcelain veneers. For a larger chip, a porcelain veneer is an ideal choice. Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain are custom-fitted to your tooth. They’re made in a lab, so it will take more than one appointment. The veneer is affixded to the front of your tooth, leaving you with a natural appearance.
Dental crown. For larger tooth damage, a crown may be in order. A dental crown is made to fit over the remaining portion of the tooth. This will protect it, and keep it functioning normally. Better still, it will look great.
Dental emergencies like chipped teeth are our specialaty, at OnCall Dental in Fresno. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can schedule an appointment, too!
