A chipped tooth happens for a variety of reasons, including biting down on hard objects and hitting your mouth during a fall. Even if you don’t feel pain afterward, you should see the dentist to make sure there is no damage to the tooth root or enamel. Below is a brief guide to this repair, when it’s necessary, and how to prevent more breaks or cracks. 

Treatment 

Your tooth can chip from injuries, accidents, and cavities. Since you may not know the extent of the decay until a nick or splinter occurs, call the dentist as soon as you notice signs of a problem. Even if the break is small, a dentist will smooth and polish the tooth to ensure the enamel is uniform. Larger cracks may require a cap, crown, or filling to preserve the tooth’s normal function and improve its appearance. Any damage that exposes the nerve should be fixed with a root canal along with a cap or crown. 

Prevention

Whether your enamel was chipped badly or you want to prevent further deterioration, talk to the doctor about how to care for your injury. Also, keep up with your oral hygiene; this will help ward off cavities and more breaking. Avoid putting too much pressure on the tooth until it heals. If you splintered the enamel from a hard food or candy, bypass these snacks in the future. Don’t chew on ice or put rigid objects in your mouth. Should you experience sensitivity or pain, return to the dentist for assistance. They’ll treat the problem and design a follow-up plan. 

Have you experienced an injury and need to fix a chipped tooth? Contact Dr. Mark Shurett at Shurett Dental Group in Conyers, GA. This experienced and caring dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy. To make an appointment, call (770) 860-8760. Browse their family dentistry services by visiting their website. Discover dental care tips by following them on Facebook.