What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair or improve the appearance of your teeth. The resin is applied directly to the tooth, precisely shaped to blend naturally, and then hardened using a special light. The result? A durable, seamless repair.

When Is Dental Bonding an Appropriate Treatment?

Bonding is ideal for addressing minor cosmetic and structural imperfections in your smile that don’t require more extensive correction. It’s a versatile option for restoring both the function and aesthetics of your teeth in a single appointment. Dental bonding:

• Repairs chipped or cracked teeth by restoring a smooth, natural edge.
• Closes small gaps in your teeth to address minor spacing issues.
• Corrects misshapen or worn teeth by evening out irregularities and balancing your smile.
• Fills small cavities by providing a tooth-colored alternative to metal fillings.

When Dental Bonding May Not Be an Appropriate Treatment

While dental bonding is effective for minor improvements, it’s not suitable for every situation. Dental bonding is not appropriate for:

• Repairing severe damage, such as extensive chips, fractures, or decay (crowns or veneers are a better option for long-term strength and durability).
• People who grind their teeth habitually (bruxism) can wear down or dislodge the bonding material.
• Areas with high bite pressure (such as the molars), which bear the brunt of heavy chewing force, may not retain bonded resin well over time.

Explore Your Dental Bonding Options in Springfield

If you’re frustrated with minor tooth imperfections, dental bonding could be the solution you’re looking for. While it’s not appropriate for all cosmetic and restorative needs, it is an easy and efficient way to give you back a gorgeous smile. Schedule a consultation today, and our experts will evaluate your needs and recommend whether dental bonding is the right choice to help you achieve a flawless, confident smile.

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As such, it can be difficult to tell if a cracked or chipped tooth is a true dental emergency. While some dental issues can wait for a regular appointment, others might need immediate attention.

Understanding when a cracked or chipped tooth constitutes a dental emergency can help you take the proper steps to protect your oral health.

Assessing the Severity of the Damage

The first step in determining whether your cracked or chipped tooth is a dental emergency involves assessing the severity of the damage.

A minor chip might only require cosmetic repair, while a more significant break could expose the inner layers of the tooth, which can cause pain and bleeding, requiring more immediate care [1].

How can you tell if your tooth needs emergency attention?

When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Is an Emergency

• The tooth is visibly cracked into pieces or has a substantial chunk missing, exposing the sensitive dentin or pulp [2].
• You have severe pain, heightened sensitivity to temperature, and discomfort when biting down.

If you observe these symptoms, call your dentist right away. Ignoring a significant break or crack can lead to complications such as infections, which can further damage the tooth and surrounding tissues.

When a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Can Wait

A minor crack or chip may not be a dental emergency. These include cases where the chip may be just a tiny piece missing from the tooth, or a crack may not be noticeable at all. In these cases, you may experience very little or no pain.

While it’s still crucial to have these injuries evaluated by a dentist, they usually don’t require immediate attention and can wait for a regularly scheduled dental visit. However, if your injury gets worse or you experience severe pain, sensitivity, or bleeding, contact your dentist right away [3].

What to Do Next

If the crack or chip seems to be an emergency, there are steps you can take to protect your tooth while seeking professional care:

• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to rinse the area gently, keeping it clean and reducing the risk of infection.

• Control bleeding. If there is bleeding, gently press a piece of gauze to the affected area.

• Manage pain. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, but avoid aspirin if there is bleeding, as it can exacerbate the issue.

• Protect the tooth. If possible, cover a sharp or jagged edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent injury to your tongue or cheeks.

Seeking Professional Care

After assessing the damage and managing immediate symptoms, the next step is to contact your dentist. Even minor chips and cracks can lead to complications over time, and only a dental professional can provide a comprehensive treatment plan. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to ensure proper care.

Contact Your Dentist Today

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to consult with a dentist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse—get in touch with your dentist to ensure your cracked or chipped tooth receives the attention it needs. Your prompt action can make all the difference in preserving your smile and oral health!

Sources:

1. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-practice-resources/ada_covid19_dental_emergency_dds.pdf
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth
3. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/ 

The post How to Determine if a Cracked or Chipped Tooth is a Dental Emergency appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A dental emergency isn’t always the same for every person. However, there are certain situations in which you’re better off seeking help from a dentist as soon as you can. While you can go the emergency room if your dentist isn’t available, it’s always best to try and see a dentist for injuries or conditions specifically relating to the oral cavity.

So what exactly is considered a dental emergency? Here are a few conditions that you shouldn’t wait to seek help for.

Severe Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding

If you have sudden or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s time to call your dentist. Pain could be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, from knocked-out or cracked teeth to a life- threatening infection.

Any pain, swelling, or bleeding that’s uncontrollable needs to be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible. While some people who have dental health issues may not experience symptoms, others will.

For example, for some patients, a cracked tooth may not be a dental emergency if the crack is small, but for others, a major crack can be very painful and require immediate attention [1].

Always pay attention to your symptoms and listen to what your body needs!

Trauma to the Oral Cavity

Trauma to your oral cavity can take many forms. You may have been in a car accident and have a broken jaw, or sustained another type of injury that’s affected your facial bones or even your airway.

Any acute trauma to the oral cavity is generally considered a dental emergency [2]. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and many other types of situations could affect your jaw, teeth, or gums, leading to the need for immediate professional attention.

Post-Surgery Complications

If you’ve recently had a dental procedure—whether an extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or dental implant placement—and are experiencing adverse symptoms, you may need to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a post-surgery complication or infection that you should never ignore include:

• Swelling at the procedure site
•  Unexplained bleeding
• Loose or missing stitches
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Uncontrollable pain

These could all be signs that your mouth isn’t healing as it should be and may even have an infection [3]. If you’re not sure whether a symptom you’re experiencing is normal, never hesitate to reach out to your dentist to ask!

Broken Orthodontia

If you or your child has metal braces, any type of injury or accident involving your oral cavity could be dangerous. If metal braces are damaged or begin to come apart for any reason, the wire could puncture your soft tissues and require a prompt repair.

While some broken or damaged orthodontia can wait until the next available appointment, other cases are considered an emergency. Never wait to get your braces evaluated if you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding!

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out to Your Dentist!

Most dentists offer emergency care and will do their best to accommodate you in the event of a dental emergency. Always reach out to your dentist first before going to the emergency room to ask if they can see you or if you have any questions about a potential dental emergency!

Sources:

1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/you-asked-what-qualifies-as-a-dental-emergency/
2. https://success.ada.org/~/media/CPS/Files/Open%20Files/ADA_COVID19_Dental_Emer
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071467/

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In fact, it’s easier than you think to chip or crack a tooth. While injuries such as these can
happen for a variety of reasons to teeth, some of the most common reasons people chip their
teeth is because of food!

If you’re not careful, some of these top foods can easily chip or fracture your tooth. Which
foods are most likely to hurt your smile?

Uncooked Popcorn

Although popcorn in and of itself isn’t an issue, uncooked popcorn kernels can quickly chip or
fracture a tooth. Often, uncooked kernels get mixed in with cooked popcorn and are therefore
likely to get eaten along with popped popcorn.

It’s imperative to never chew on uncooked or partially cooked popcorn kernels, whether by
accident or because the popcorn bowl is empty and you want to continue to munch!

Ice Cubes

Many people find chewing on ice to be a practice they enjoy, but unfortunately, it’s also one
that can crack or chip your teeth.

When it comes to ice, it’s best to leave this hard cold substance in your glass and let it cool your
drink, not damage your smile!

Candy

Hard candy is a favorite for many people to suck on. However, this hard food doesn’t just
contribute to tooth decay, it also can crack or chip your pearly whites!

Lollipops, caramel corn, jawbreakers, and even mints all have the potential to chip your teeth. If
you do choose to eat candy, always be mindful when it’s in your mouth and do your best not to
bite down on it!

Nut Shells

While nuts themselves have the potential to injure teeth, nut shells are also culprits. These nuts
include pistachios, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. You should never bite down
on the shells of these nuts as they can crack or chip teeth.

Instead, always use care when eating nuts and never attempt to crack open a nut shell with
your teeth!

Stone Fruit Pits (Drupes)

A drupe is a fruit that contains a very hard pit, also known as stone fruits. These fruits include:
 Peaches
 Apricots
 Olives
 Plums
 Cherries
 Mangoes

All of these fruits have the potential to hurt your teeth. If you choose to enjoy these fruits, be
aware that their stone pits can crack or chip your smile. Many olives come pitted while most of
the other fruits can be sliced before enjoying. If you do choose to bite into them, always be
aware of where the pit is so that you don’t accidentally damage your teeth.

A tooth that’s been chipped or cracked still needs to be evaluated by your professional dentist.
Any injury to your teeth can allow bacteria to enter and possibly reach the nerves of your tooth
which could cause pain and infection. Never wait to seek help for an injured tooth, and never
eat these foods without being cautious!

The post Careful! Top Foods That May Chip or Fracture Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A chipped tooth has the potential to cause your baby discomfort, so what can you do if this
happens? Here’s how you can treat your baby’s chipped tooth until you can get to your child-
friendly dentist.

Contact Your Dentist

If you’re able, contact your child’s dentist after you notice your baby’s tooth has been chipped.
Your dentist can provide you with more specific instructions about what to do, and may even
be able to squeeze you in for an appointment.

Your dentist may want to know if the tooth is bleeding, if the tooth fragment has been found,
or if your child appears to be in pain. It’s a good idea to keep contact information for your
child’s dentist and pediatrician on hand for events such as these.

Rinse and Store

If you’re able to find the fragment of your child’s tooth, you can rinse it gently with water and store in saliva, milk, or water until you can bring it to the dentist. In the meantime, you can gently rinse your baby’s mouth with warm water—this is especially important to do if you cannot locate the tooth fragment and there’s a chance it may still be in your child’s mouth.

Your dentist can provide you with further instructions about storing the tooth fragment until
you can get in for an appointment. In some cases, as long as the tooth fragment is kept moist,
your dentist may still be able to reattach it to your child’s tooth.

Utilize a Cold Compress

If your baby appears to be in pain, you can utilize a cold compress to reduce any discomfort or
swelling. Never give a baby any over-the-counter pain medication or numbing gel without first
consulting with your dentist or pediatrician.

Quick action after the accident can help prevent infection and discomfort, so never ignore your baby’s chipped tooth and always follow your dentist’s instructions for handling the problem to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Just because your baby’s primary tooth isn’t permanent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek
treatment for your child. A tooth chip can not only be painful, but can also allow bacteria to
enter the tooth root, which can cause an infection and even early tooth loss, which can disrupt
the alignment of the adult teeth that will come in in a few years.

By securing the tooth fragment if you’re able, rinsing your baby’s mouth, and keeping your baby comfortable, you can ensure your child is ready for their dentist appointment to repair the chipped tooth!

The post How Do I Treat My Baby’s Chipped Tooth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Popcorn

Popped popcorn isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, but the danger lies in those kernels of popcorn that are often hiding at the bottom of the bowl. When you’re eating popcorn, your mouth expects to crunch down on something soft and light. This is normally the case, until you accidentally chomp down on a hard kernel with the force of your jaw. Popcorn is one of the top culprits for cracking teeth! The solution? Be more mindful when eating your popcorn—be aware of where the kernels are and make sure they don’t make it into your mouth!

Hard Breads

Bread is a popular staple at nearly any meal. Soft breads are generally fine for teeth, but hard breads can pose a hazard to your pearly whites. Think of bread products such as baguettes, biscotti, and hard pretzels. These breads can crack or chip your teeth, therefore leading to an unexpected trip to your dentist. If you enjoy hard breads, be careful when eating them—a small bite is always better than a hard crunch with your precious teeth!

Hard Candies

Candies that stick to your teeth are bad, but hard candies can be even worse, especially when it comes to treats such as jawbreakers, peanut brittle, Jolly Ranchers, frozen candy bars, and lollipops to name a few. While many of these candies are meant for sucking, people often bite down on them and find themselves with a cracked tooth. This damage factor combined with the sugar content makes candy an enemy to your teeth. If you choose to eat hard candies, remember to try not to chew or bite them!

Nuts

Nuts are an excellent snack choice—they don’t need to be refrigerated and can be easily stored at the office or at home. However, nuts also are hard and can pose a hazard to your teeth! This is especially true for nuts that are still in a shell, such as pistachios, but it can also be bad news for your teeth if you crunch down on hard nuts to find that you’ve cracked a tooth. Never attempt to open the shell of a nut with your teeth!

Cracking your tooth opens up a space for bacteria to enter the cavity where your tooth’s nerve resides. If left untreated, your tooth could be subjected to infection and decay, and eventually it’ll need a root canal. Avoid these top foods that can crack your teeth and if you choose to eat them, do so with care!

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Dental Fillings or Bonding

If just a small piece of enamel has chipped off, a dentist may repair your tooth with a filling. If the damage was done to a front tooth, he or she may use a simple procedure called bonding to repair it. When a tooth is bonded, it is etched with a special liquid then covered with a tooth-covered bonding material made of composite resin. An ultraviolet light hardens the material, and the result is a natural appearance and durable solution.

Dental Cap or Crown

If the chip is larger, the dentist may file or grind away a portion of the remaining tooth and protect it with a tooth-shaped cap called a crown. Dental crowns may be made of resin, ceramic, metal or porcelain fused to metal, ranging in appearance and strength.

Dental implants may be used to support a crown if the damaged tooth mus be removed. During this procedure, a small titanium post is securely inserted into the jawbone. Another post is attached to provide support for the crown, which can last a lifetime with proper care.

Dental Veneers

Made of a thin sliver of resin or porcelain, dental veneers are adhered to the front of a chipped tooth with a special cement. Natural-looking and comfortable, veneers are a great solution for chipped teeth because they are applied directly to your own healthy tooth.

A chipped tooth can be unsightly for your smile, and in some cases be uncomfortable and potentially harmful if the chiiped edge is sharp, so your dentist can provide quick, effective and long-term treatments to correct your smile. Discuss these options and don’t put off getting that chiiped tooth repaired and your smile looking great again.

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