6707 HWY 431 S. Suite 103 Owen's Cross Roads, AL 35763

Current Patients 256.534.1475

New Patients 256.202.4186

Chipped Tooth Owens Cross Roads, AL

A chipped tooth is a common dental concern we treat in our office. It happens during accidents and sports every day. It is not necessarily a dental emergency unless you are in great pain. However, we recommend contacting your local Owens Cross Roads, AL, dentist to treat your chipped tooth immediately.

Your dentist will need to repair your chipped or broken tooth. If you do not seek treatment, your tooth is susceptible to further damage and infection. Bacteria can enter the inside of the tooth and cause a painful infection. Or a small chip can weaken a tooth and leave it vulnerable to more severe damage.

Dr. Elizabeth Duling is an Owens Cross Roads, AL dentist who provides many treatment options for chipped teeth. She will examine your tooth to determine the extent of the damage and then suggest the proper treatment.

Treatment for a Chipped Tooth in Owens Cross Roads, AL

When is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

You can schedule a dental appointment to fix a small chip in your tooth. It’s safe to wait a day or two to treat small chips or breaks in your tooth. We can fix small areas of tooth damage and watch for changes in your teeth at regular visits.

However, a large tooth chip or break is a dental emergency. Large tooth breaks can create severe pain and increase the risk of damage to your teeth and gums. A broken tooth can create pain when biting and chewing. A jagged, broken tooth can also cut the soft tissue in your mouth.

Rinse your mouth with cool water if you have just broken your tooth. Then, use a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure to your tooth. Bring any pieces that break off of your tooth. You can place the broken piece in a cup of saliva to keep it moist for transport to our office. Additionally, you can take pain medication as needed before you reach our office.

It is essential to contact our office if you have a large break in your tooth. If tooth damage exposes the inner layer, your tooth is prone to infection. Harmful bacteria can enter your tooth and affect the nerves, cells, and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive. Emergency dental treatment for a broken tooth can save your tooth and prevent further dental problems.

Treatment for a Chipped Tooth in Owens Cross Roads, AL

There are multiple dental treatments we provide in our office if you have a chipped tooth:

Dental Bonding

Your dentist will suggest dental bonding for a simple and small chip in your tooth. This versatile dental treatment is commonly used for less complicated chips. It is affordable, and your dentist can complete the treatment in one office visit.

Your dentist will apply the composite resin directly to the tooth and sculpt it into the desired shape by hand. However, the bonding material is not permanent. Your dentist will need to replace it every three to ten years.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a great choice to repair a chipped tooth if you are worried about aesthetics. This is a permanent solution that can treat moderate to major tooth damage. A tooth veneer is a thin shell that a dentist will bond the front of a tooth. This cosmetic dental restoration can hide any blemish, including a chipped tooth. We can custom-make it to blend in with the rest of your natural, remaining teeth.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is also used to treat a significantly chipped tooth. However, unlike a dental veneer, a dental crown will cover the entire tooth like a cap. This permanent solution will protect the tooth from further damage and restore its strength and function. Dr. Duling offers CEREC custom dental crowns. She can make and place your new crown in a single visit.

Root Canals

Most patients will not need root canal therapy for a chipped tooth. However, if the chip is severe and extends into the tooth’s root canal, it could damage the tissue. Also, if you do not seek treatment after you chip your tooth as soon as possible, you will increase your risk of infection.

In both instances, root canal therapy is necessary. To begin a root canal, we numb the tooth. Then, we remove the damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth. After removing infected tissue, we clean the tooth chamber or the inside of the tooth. Finally, we seal the tooth. We often cover the treated tooth with a crown, especially if damaged.

How to Prevent a Chipped Tooth

It is difficult to prevent this dental accident. However, simple steps can lower your risk of chipping a tooth. You can start by cutting out bad habits, including chewing on hard objects. This would include ice, hard candies, pens, pencils, etc.

Avoid biting your nails, as this increases the risk of chipping or cracking a tooth. Additionally, don’t use your teeth to open objects. Opt for scissors instead.

Also, for patients who play sports, we offer custom mouthguards. These are superior to the over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguards. Our custom mouthguards are made of stronger and thicker materials than store-bought options. Our mouthguards will cushion a hard blow to the face. This will better protect your teeth while you are playing the game.

You can receive a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth. Similar to sports mouthguards, a night guard covers the teeth. A nightguard can cover the upper or lower teeth with a hard plastic. Custom-made night guards prevent further tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. If you have damage from teeth grinding, we can provide treatment to fix your teeth.

Fix Tooth Damage Today

Have you just damaged a tooth? Prevent more tooth damage with prompt dental care. Call 256.202.4186 to fix your chipped tooth in Owens Cross Roads, AL. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Duling online.

If you have any questions about how you can treat a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, let us know. We’re here to help you find the right treatment for you.