Oh No, a Chipped Tooth! Here's What to Do by Dr. Carlos Pires

Apr 1

Hey everyone, Dr. Carlos Pires here from Winter Park Periodontics and Dental Implants! Chips happen – sometimes life throws a curveball (or a rogue popcorn kernel) your way, leaving you with a chipped tooth. While it might be cause for concern, don't panic! Here's a quick guide to help you navigate this situation:

First Steps:

Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris or blood. This will also help you assess the severity of the chip.
Find the Fragment (if possible): If you can locate the chipped piece of tooth, try to preserve it. Hold it in milk or saliva to keep it moist until you can see your dentist.
Address Pain and Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort.

Protecting Your Smile:

Sharp Edges: If the chipped tooth has a sharp edge, it can irritate your tongue or cheek. Cover it with a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum (avoid swallowing!) or dental wax, available at most drugstores, to provide temporary protection.

Seeking Professional Help:

Don't Delay! A chipped tooth, regardless of size, needs to be evaluated by a dentist. Even a minor chip can expose sensitive inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, potentially leading to infection or further damage. At Winter Park Periodontics and Dental Implants, we can assess the chip, determine the best course of treatment, and restore your smile to its full glory.

Treatment Options:

Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may recommend various solutions:

Bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to fill the chipped area, restoring the tooth's shape and function.
Veneers: For larger chips or cosmetic concerns, a thin shell of porcelain is bonded to the front surface of the tooth.
Crowns: In severe cases, a crown (cap) may be needed to cover the entire tooth and protect it from further damage.

Remember:

Prevention is Key: Wearing a mouthguard during sports or activities that could result in a mouth injury can help prevent chipped teeth.
Regular Dental Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling regular dental checkups, can help identify and address potential problems early on.

By following these steps and prioritizing professional dental care, you can effectively deal with a chipped tooth and keep your smile healthy and strong.

Schedule an appointment today at Winter Park Periodontics and Dental Implants, and let's get your smile back on track!

Sincerely,

Dr. Carlos Pires Winter Park Periodontics and Dental Implants

Justin Lockwood

I grew up on a kind of hippy-commune where all my toys were made of wood and imagination was my only screen time. This forced me to be a creative thinker from the start. I drew and sold my first logo when I was twelve and still feel inspired every day to discover new ways of communicating peoples stories and passion. I create things that are designed to be used and enjoyed. Not just admired but interacted with. That demonstrate knowledge and feel personal. Because this is what makes design memorable.

During my almost 20 year career I've been lucky to work with some of the world’s most admired brands — companies like Alaska Airlines, Lululemon, GAP, Madison Square Garden, Target, TOMS, HBO, Marvel, TED, and CNN. In recent years I've helped startups including AutoLotto, Spoon Rocket, Healthiest, Trizic and Prevail design successful products and raise millions in funding.

https://justinlockwooddesign.com