Our teeth are unbelievably strong. But, an ill-placed popcorn kernel or accident can leave us with a cracked or chipped tooth. Leaving injured teeth unprotected can lead to further dental damage, and, potentially, painful tooth infections and permanent tooth loss. Luckily, Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist can help patients quickly and comfortably repair chipped or cracked teeth with high-quality dental restorations.
Don’t leave damaged teeth vulnerable–schedule an appointment to repair your smile now. Simply send our team a message online here, or call our Austin, TX, dental clinic at (512) 346-4690 for scheduling.
Meanwhile, let’s discuss what you should do after experiencing a chipped tooth. From the moment it happens to the moment you visit our Austin dentist, we’ll guide you along every step of the way.
What to Do Immediately After a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
First, do not panic. Remain calm and assess the situation. If there are any pieces of broken tooth still in the mouth, then carefully remove and save them. Is the tooth cracked but intact? Then, leave it alone.
If there is excessive bleeding and pain, then head to the nearest emergency room to get urgent care. Otherwise, patients can use over-the-counter painkillers, ice packs, and light pressure to mitigate pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Next, patients should protect their mouths. A chipped tooth can be extremely sharp. Therefore, patients should avoid further injury by covering the damaged tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
Once the mouth is protected against sharp, broken teeth, patients should call our dentist in Austin immediately. The sooner patients visit our clinic, the better and faster we can repair a damaged smile.
How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
When it comes to repairing a cracked or chipped tooth, patients typically have three options, including:
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding (also called white fillings) uses a strong, biocompatible material made from composite resin to fill in chips and cracks. The composite resin is tooth-colored, so patients can seamlessly repair their smiles without any noticeable difference in their appearance.
Tooth bonding is a long-lasting solution to address chipped or cracked teeth. Experts believe that dental bonding can last for decades with the proper care.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns (also called caps) are an effective way to repair significant cracks and chips in teeth. The tooth-shaped crowns completely cover damaged teeth, which protects teeth from further damage while enhancing their performance, functionality, and aesthetics.
From porcelain to metal, patients have many options to restore their smiles with dental caps. Regardless of the material used, patients can expect to enjoy their tooth crowns for at least ten years.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic option. But, they offer numerous restorative benefits, too. In fact, porcelain veneers may be the best option to address a chipped tooth, particularly if tooth sensitivity and smile flaws are underlying issues.
These protective coverings can enhance the appearance and function of patients’ smiles for decades with the proper care, such as:
- Once-daily flossing
- Twice-daily brushing
- Routine dental exams and cleanings
Ask Us How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Today
Don’t leave dental damage unchecked–schedule an appointment with our restoration dentist in Austin, TX, today. Patients can request their appointments by calling Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 or by submitting a message online here.
