Chipped Tooth in Woodstock, GA

A dental emergency, such as a chipped tooth, can happen unexpectedly and cause discomfort and anxiety. A chipped tooth can happen in many ways, from biting down on a hard piece of candy to getting hit by a ball or elbow during a sporting event. Depending on the severity of the chip, it may be something you can wait to fix, but it’s best to get the damaged area checked out by our dentist at Park Creek Dental Care as soon as possible. Sometimes, the chip can be repaired with a filling, crown, or another restoration. Once the damage has been restored, you must protect your teeth with either a mouthguard or night guard to prevent the problem from happening again. 

Immediate Actions for Temporary Relief 

• Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help clean the area and minimize the risk of infection. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out. 
• Avoid chewing on the damaged area, as you can potentially cause damage to the tooth’s nerves and further injure your smile. 
• If bleeding from the chipped area, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or a wet tea bag. This can help control the bleeding until professional care is available. 
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a pharmacist if needed. Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the affected area externally can also help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief. 

How Is a Chipped Tooth Treated? 

If you are experiencing pain due to a chipped or fractured tooth, you should visit your dentist immediately for treatment. The dentist will first assess the extent of the damage before determining the appropriate treatment. Most dentists recommend treating the chip or fracture with a restorative procedure to address the injury and repair the tooth’s function and appearance. 

A filling is a standard treatment for minor chips and fractures of teeth. This restorative procedure is non-invasive since the dentist does not perform any drilling on the underlying tooth structure when placing a filling. After applying a local anesthetic to the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, the dentist will fill in the damaged area with a composite resin material that matches the color of the natural tooth enamel. Since the composite resin is soft and malleable, it can be easily molded into the proper shape to blend in with the rest of the tooth surface. This composite material can be shaped and polished to mimic the natural look of the tooth. Your dentist in Woodstock, GA, may recommend placing a crown over the tooth after a filling to prevent it from sustaining further damage. 

Experiencing a dental emergency, such as a chipped tooth, can be distressing, but taking immediate action and seeking professional dental care is vital for optimal outcomes. Prioritize your oral health, and contact Park Creek Dental Care at 8080 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188, or call (470) 601-7888 to restore the functionality and beauty of your smile.