Your smile has a significant effect on how others perceive you. If you suffer damage like a chipped tooth, you might worry about the long-term impact. The friendly professionals at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, have extensive experience with restorative dental care and share advice on what to do if you break a tooth.

3 Things to Do If You Chip a Tooth

Call a Dentist

If you chip a tooth, call a dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have it examined. There are many types of cracks, chips, and breaks, and dental care professionals deal with each differently. Your dentist will ask questions to determine the urgency of your predicament and figure out the best solution, such as filing down the chipped area so it’s less noticeable or applying bonding material to fill the space.

Apply Pressure

If the area around your tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to help it stop. Using a folded piece of gauze, press on your tooth for 10 minutes, then check to see if the bleeding has subsided. If it continues, seek emergency dental care.

Relieve Pain

A break in a tooth can expose its root, so keep it clean until you see your dentist. Dental care professionals recommend rinsing your mouth with warm water to remove food particles and other debris from the affected tooth. If you feel discomfort, take the recommended dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply an icepack.

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, turn to Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, to restore your smile. Their father-son team of dentists offers a variety of services for the whole family, including preventative and cosmetic dentistry, tooth extractions, and sealant application. To schedule an appointment, call (606) 679-4450 or make a request online. Like them on Facebook for more dental care advice and news from the practice.