Dentists are frequently asked questions about chipping a tooth—“Is it that big a deal? Doesn't it depend on how big the chip is? I mean if it is just a little chip, it can't be that bad...can it?” The answers to these questions are variations of the same theme. Yes, chipping a tooth means you have lost valuable tooth structure and potentially laid the foundation for additional chips and cracks. Or you may need a root canal if the chip is close to the pulp containing the nerve and it doesn't heal properly from the trauma.

As for repairing a chipped tooth, your dentist can usually fix minor chips with modern bonding techniques using tooth-colored filling materials. For larger chips that involve more tooth structure, your dentist may suggest a crown (cap) or a veneer. The most important thing to remember is that if you chip a tooth, you need to see a dental professional for a proper evaluation and treatment remedy

Learn more about Repairing Chipped Teeth

Are you experiencing persistent pain in your jaw after a fall that won't go away or is getting worse? The first and most important tip is to see your dentist or oral surgeon now! There are many reasons for jaw pain; however, you need a professional to understand what happened and evaluate your pain. By having a thorough exam, a dental professional can establish a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You might have displaced a tooth, traumatized your jaw joint, or even fractured your jaw—but you will never know without a proper evaluation.

Learn more about the causes of jaw pain and its treatments in this response to a Dear Doctor email, Jaw Pain.

A cracked tooth is something everyone dreads because it could be a prelude to a painful and costly experience. Cracked Tooth Syndrome is the name given to a set of symptoms and signs that lead to this particular diagnosis. These signs include craze lines, cracks, and fractures—and they can all lead to cracked teeth. But not all may be lost, early diagnosis is critical so that your dentist has a better chance at detecting, repairing, and hopefully saving your tooth.

Learn more in this consultation article, Cracked Tooth Syndrome.

Unfortunately accidents happen and as a result, your child may end up with a chipped tooth. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry—a composite tooth-colored restoration actually bonded to the tooth is an ideal material for repairing broken or chipped teeth. One reason supporting this choice is that bonding material (composite resin) can be used to match virtually any tooth color. They also make excellent temporary restorations until your child or teenager has stopped growing when it's a better time to consider a more permanent restoration.

Learn more in this consultation article Repairing Chipped Teeth.

To be prepared next time your child has a dental injury, download Dear Doctor's field-side pocket guide for dental injuries.]]> http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/repairing-teenagers-chipped-tooth/feed 1 http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/saving-broken-teeth http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/saving-broken-teeth#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:43:40 +0000 admin http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/?p=354 ...]]>

Once you get over the initial shock of breaking a tooth, it is imperative that you see a dental professional for a thorough evaluation and treatment. One method for saving a tooth broken off at the gum line is through “crown lengthening”. But don't let this small surgery fool you—it packs big benefits. It is typically done using local anesthesia to numb the area in question. Small incisions are made inside the gum line, both cheek and tongue side, to expose the tooth's supporting bone so that a minor amount can be sculpted away to actually lengthen the tooth. After what is usually quite an uneventful healing, a permanent crown can be placed to return your smile to its former look.

Learn more about the process in Saving Broken Teeth.

No parent, caregiver, or coach ever wants to see a child suffer an injury during a sporting event or any other circumstance. The American Dental Association and Academy of Sports Dentistry and many others, strongly recommend mouthguards for anyone participating in high contact and impact sports to protect the teeth, jaw joints and mouth from unnecessary injury. It is also important to note that a professional, custom-made mouthguard is far superior to a poorly fitting “boil-and-bite” mouthguard and well worth the price. This is because it is custom-made and molded exactly to your child's mouth and teeth to ensure comfort, easy breathing while worn, and can even accommodate growth.

Learn more about how to protect your child's mouth and teeth in Mouthguards.

Losing a permanent tooth can be traumatic for anyone; however, knowing what to do should it happen may enable you to save the tooth. The clock starts ticking from the moment the tooth is lost. It has the best chance for survival if it is re-implanted as soon as possible, preferably within 5 minutes. Start looking for the missing tooth immediately. Once found, rinse the tooth with water, but do not scrub it. Next and if possible, gently re-implant the tooth into its socket prior to rushing to the local dental office or hospital. If you're too nervous to re-implant it, transport the tooth in water or milk. If the patient is age appropriate and is thinking clearly, the preferred option is to put it in the patient's mouth between the gum and cheek (the preferred option). And lastly, contact the dental office or medical facility en route to ensure the doctor is ready to treat the oral trauma.

Learn more tips in Accidental Tooth Loss.