If you’re like most people, your smile is a major source of confidence. Even though the enamel on your teeth is one of the strongest substances in the human body, it can still take a beating. When you have a chipped tooth, panic can set in. It seems irreparable, costly, and like you might be stuck with a scary smile for the rest of your life. The truth is, even severe chips can be fixed by your cosmetic dentist.
Is this an emergency?
Chipped teeth range in severity from purely cosmetic, to seriously damaged. No matter what level of chip you are dealing with, it’s best to contact a dentist at your earliest convenience. In some scenarios though, you could be dealing with a full-on dental emergency. You’ll need to contact your dentist for immediate help, or risk significant problems and pain. But how do you tell? The key indicator of a dental emergency is pain. Your average chipped tooth shouldn’t be painful. Pain is a clear sign that you may have fractured your tooth to its root. A fracture should be dealt with immediately.
How should I proceed?
If you suspect that you’re chipped tooth constitutes a dental emergency, call your dentist for further instructions. They will likely make time for you to come into the office that very day. Ask if you can take aspirin to help alleviate your pain in the meantime.
If you have determined that you are just dealing with a minor chip, there are a few things you can do to help carry you through to your dental appointment. Rinse your mouth out with warm water. This will help clear away any debris, and expose any bleeding or pain you may have overlooked. If you have to wait a few days before seeing a dentist, you will need to avoid chipping your tooth any further. Avoid hard foods like candy and apples. Your tooth will be very vulnerable and you don’t want to turn your chip into an emergency.
Contact Annapolis Family Dental Care
If you want to learn more about Cosmetic Dentistry or Dental Emergencies from your Annapolis Dentist or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.