Chipped or Broken Tooth?

Cosmetic Dentist in Painesville OH Shows how a Dental Crown Protects and Improves Your Smile

A tooth may chip or break for any number of reasons. It could be that you love chewing on ice, or that the bowl of popcorn you enjoyed during movie night was a little tough on your teeth. Sometimes, a break or chip is the result of a minor incident to a tooth that has been compromised due to erosion or decay. Whatever the cause of a chip or break, you want to know your comfort and functionality can be restored as quickly as possible and our cosmetic dentist in Painesville OH is here for your smile.

What to do if you chip or break a tooth:

  • Call Erieview Dental right away to schedule your visit. If you put off making an appointment, the tooth in question could sustain more damage or even become infected. Prompt care for a chip or break might just save you from needing a root canal or extraction.

  • Prior to your dental visit, you may manage comfort with an over-the-counter pain relieving medication. Rinsing the mouth with warm, salty water can also reduce bacteria and swelling. You can always ask us about any other short-term remedies to use from the pharmacy.

  • If you must eat before you can receive professional care, choose softer foods that will be unlikely to cause further damage.

Dental Crowns to the Rescue!

Patients who visit Erieview Dental may discover that the best way to repair a chip or break is with a dental crown, not a filling. This is because a filling typically fits inside of the tooth, and may not provide the full amount of protection necessary for long-term success. A crown will encapsulate the entire visible part of the tooth, and will absorb the force of the opposing tooth when you chew.

To repair a tooth with a dental crown, we schedule two visits. The initial visit will focus on removal of damaged enamel. We will take an impression and cover the tooth with a temporary crown. The final restoration is typically ready for placement in about 10 days, at which point it will replace the temporary, and you will be on your way!

We are here to support you in long-lasting oral health. To schedule your visit with our cosmetic dentist in Painesville OH, call Erieview Dental at (440) 357-1222.