How Do Dentists Address a Tooth Chip or Crack in Southfield?

A tooth chip or crack can be painful and frustrating. In fact, it can be embarrassing, depending on the seriousness and location of the damage. Thankfully, a dentist in Southfield can put your mind at ease. They know that a beautiful smile is a confidence booster. That is why they will restore your smile in only a few visits. 

Steps to Take After a Tooth Crack or Chip

After you crack or chip your tooth, you may need to visit your dentist immediately, unless the damage is minor. Before you can see the dentist, you should focus on relieving your pain and protecting the affected tooth. 

Treatment may not be necessary for tiny cracks and surface lines. However, you still have to see a dentist to assess the extent of the damage. A tooth crack may seem minor from the outside, but there may be internal tooth damage. 

Swishing with warm water is important after cracking a tooth. This cleans the crack out to prevent infection. You can address pain and swelling with a cold compression. Then, contact your dentist as soon as possible. 

Repairing a Chipped Tooth

Treating for a chipped tooth will depend on the size of the chip and its location. Potential treatment includes the following:

• Contouring. This treatment is ideal for a slight tooth chi. This procedure involves the use of tools to eliminate some of the enamel in your tooth to change the length or shape. The procedure ends with polishing the countered teeth.
• Dental bonding. This procedure can be completed in one visit. It involves roughing up the tooth’s surface and applying a conditioning liquid to the tooth. Then, tooth-colored composite resin is also applied, letting the tooth form into the correct shape. If you have saved the broken pieces of your tooth, your dentist can reattach them. 
• Root canal treatment and crown. If the crack or chip reaches below the tooth’s surface, more extensive repair procedures may be necessary. A crack that extends to the pulp will require a root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing the pulp, cleaning the inside of your tooth, as well as filling and sealing the tooth with gutta-percha. A dental filling or crown will be used to cap the tooth. 
• Tooth extraction and dental implant. If a root canal cannot save the chipped or cracked tooth, extraction may be necessary. After this procedure, your dentist can install a dental implant into the extracted site and let it heal. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a crown can be attached to it.