When a tooth chips or breaks, it can be a distressing experience, leaving you wondering what to do next. At Emergency Dental of Denver, we are here to guide you through the steps you need to take and help you understand whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency.
Understanding the Severity of a Chipped Tooth
The extent of the damage to your tooth can vary greatly depending on the size of the chip and which tooth is affected. Consulting a professional dentist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If immediate consultation isn’t possible, here are some guidelines to help you manage the situation.
Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
Chipping a tooth is a common dental injury, often caused by eating hard foods, untreated cavities, old and brittle fillings, or a sudden impact from sports or rough activities.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Collect Tooth Fragments: If pieces of your tooth have broken off, try to collect them and place them in saline solution or milk. This can help preserve the fragments until you can see a dentist.
2. Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply a thick layer of gauze to the area. If gauze is unavailable, a dampened tea bag can also help stop the bleeding. Apply pressure for about 30 minutes or until the bleeding ceases.
3. Contact an Emergency Dentist: Reach out to Emergency Dental of Denver as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We offer flexible payment options to ensure that cost does not prevent you from receiving the care you need.
Determining the Urgency
Small Chips
Small chips may not be considered a dental emergency but should still be addressed promptly. These are usually repaired with dental bonding, a tooth-colored material that helps restore the tooth’s natural appearance. While dental bonding is effective, it is not a permanent solution and may wear down over time. For a more durable fix, a porcelain veneer can be used to cover the entire tooth.
Large Chips or Breaks
Larger breaks are more serious and often result in significant pain, especially if the tooth’s nerve is affected. In such cases, more extensive treatments like crowns, root canals, or even tooth extraction may be necessary. If the break extends below the gum line, the tooth will likely need to be extracted and replaced.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you are unsure about the severity of your chipped tooth or if you experience any oral pain, it is best to consult with our experienced team at Emergency Dental of Denver. We provide prompt, compassionate care to address your dental emergencies swiftly and effectively. Remember, delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications and higher costs down the line.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand that dental emergencies can be financially stressful. That’s why we offer various payment options and work with most dental insurance plans to make your care more affordable. Don’t let cost deter you from seeking the help you need.
For any dental emergency, trust Emergency Dental of Denver to provide the expert care you deserve. Contact us immediately to schedule an appointment and get the relief you need.