A chipped tooth at the gum line is usually painful and one of the most irritating aspects of dental problems. Injury, tooth decay, or general wear and tear could lead to a broken tooth near the gum that requires immediate dental treatment. It is essential to seek treatment for chipped tooth repair without delay to prevent further damage, protect the exposed tooth pulp, and restore your smile. In this article, we will look at how to fix a chipped tooth at the gum line, home remedies, and available professional treatments.
Understanding Chipped Teeth
Understanding the Causes and Types of Fractures at the Gum Line Before addressing how to remedy a chipped tooth, you need to know what causes fractures and the various types at the gum line. While a chipped tooth doesn’t necessarily mean a surfaced major dental problem, neglecting it can lead to complications.
Causes Of Chipped Teeth
Different factors and causes can cause these teeth, especially those at the gum line, to chip. Common causes include:
Trauma/ Injury
The most common cause is falling over, a car accident, or a sports accident, which can easily chip a tooth close to the gum line.
Brittle Enamel
Enamel tends to become brittle, especially around the gum area, which increases the possibility of teeth chipping.
Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth while sleeping, the edges of your teeth can wear down, resulting in chips over time.
Biting On Hard Objects
Biting down on hard foods such as ice or candy can cause tiny fractures or chips.
Chipping can occur at any age, but getting it as soon as possible is essential to avoid complications such as infection or further damage.
Different Types Of Tooth Fractures
To correctly treat a chipped tooth, you must know what type of fracture is involved. These fractures fall into categories:
Craze lines
Shallow cracks of the tooth that do not extend into the tooth structure. In most cases, these minor chips don’t require professional care.
Enamel Fracture
However, a fracture that impacts only the tooth’s outer layer (enamel)does not reach the deep layers. A chip like this can frequently be restored with a bonded resin filling.
Dentin Fracture
A fracture extending into the next layer under the enamel (dentin) may be painful and require more invasive treatment.
Nerve Damage
Inadequate nerve coverage within the tooth can result in injury, exposure to bacteria , and pain.
The severity of the fracture informs which treatment option is most appropriate, either at home or through a dentist.
Home Remedies For Minor Chipped Teeth
For minor chips that don’t hurt immediately, there are a few home remedies and tempoTherentist. These are not permanent solutions, but at the same time, for minor chips that don’t hurt immediately, you can mitigate discomfort and avoid further damage until you see your dentist.
Temporary Solutions
If you can’t get to a dentist right away, and your chipped tooth is giving you some discomfort, consider these temporary solutions:
Using Dental Wax Or Sugarless Gum
Dental wax (whether of the special orthodontic type or just regular old parafilm) is an easy, temporary solution to cover the sharp edges of a chipped tooth. You can find dental wax at your local pharmacy or online. Heat the wax and dab it over the chipped area to avoid irritating your gums or mouth. In the absence of dental wax, you can similarly use sugarless gum. But this is just a temporary solution to prevent additional regional injury.
Over-The-Counter Dental Repair Kits
Some pharmacies sell over-the-counter dental repair kits to repair mild chips or fractures temporarily. Most of these kits include resin material that you can use to fill in the chipped area, sealing the affected portion of your tooth. Although they may assist in avoiding distress, these repair sets are not a solution and should only be utilized until you can see your dentist.
Natural Remedies For Pain Relief
However, if you are experiencing pain from your chipped tooth, a few natural remedies may minimize discomfort until you can see a dentist professional.
Clove Oil Application
Clove oil has been used for its natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties for centuries. Clove oil in a minimal quantity on the chipped tooth can temporarily numb it, reducing the pain. Clove oil has eugenol, which can relieve tooth pain and reduce swelling. Simply put a couple of drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and dab it directly on the affected area.
Cold Compress For Swelling
If your chipped tooth is causing swelling around the gum line, you may use a cold compress to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Wrap ice in a clean cloth or buy a cold pack in stores, and put it on the outside of your cheek (close to the affected tooth). Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and repeat as needed. This will relieve the pain and help reduce swelling around the tissue.
Professional Treatment Options
The best fixes for a chipped tooth at the gum line are home remedies for chipped tooth, which may help ease the discomfort temporarily, but the best solution is professional dental care. A dentist will be able to assess the severity of the fracture and advise you on the best course of treatment for your particular situation.
Dental Bonding And Fillings
Dental bonding for chipped teeth is one of the most frequently used treatments for minor to moderate chips. Dental bonding: A tooth-colored resin is applied to the chipped area and shaped to the natural contours of your tooth. Next, the resin is hardened with a special light, creating a rugged, smooth surface. This is a simple, often one-visit, minimally invasive procedure.
Dental fillings may also fix your chipped tooth if the break involves the inner layers. The dentist cleans out the decayed tissue, fills the cavity with composite resin, and reshapes the tooth to restore its shape and function.
Crowns And Veneers For Severe Cases
If the chip is big or closer to the gum line, a crown or veneer may be needed for a more permanent fix. Dental crowns are custom caps covering the entire tooth to restore shape and function. Crowns are usually indicated when a large segment of the tooth has been broken or chipped away, mainly if that damage occurs on the broken tooth near gum line.
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. They are an excellent option if the tooth’s structure is intact, but the chip is cosmetic.
When Extraction Is Necessary
However, dental extraction may be the only option if the tooth is damaged, or the fracture extends into the tooth. If the tooth has been so severely injured that the structure can’t be repaired, the dentist will suggest removing the tooth to avoid further damage or infection. After the extraction, you must discuss options for replacing the missing tooth, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
This post will discuss what to do if you chip a tooth at the gum line. Whether your chipped tooth is small or large, you have various treatment options, from home care to professional procedures.
Contact Us Now!
Contact Dental Faith if you have a broken tooth close to the gum. With our team of dedicated professionals, you will find the best restorative solution to help repair fractures in the enamel layer, ensure functionality, and prevent any further damage from occurring. Call Dental Faith now to get the help you need to give your smile a makeover!
FAQs
Can a chipped tooth at the gum line heal on its own?
A chipped tooth above the gum line typically doesn’t heal because enamel doesn’t regenerate. If it is a small chip not presenting in pain, it probably does not need urgent treatment. However, it must be looked at professionally to limit the potential damage.
What are the best ways to fix a chipped tooth naturally?
Temporary measures for minor chips include covering the tooth with dental wax or sugarless gum to avoid pain while the chip is being treated. Natural remedies, such as clove oil, can also relieve some pain. Still, professional treatment, such as dental bonding or fillings, will typically be required to repair the cavity permanently.
When should I see a dentist for a chipped tooth?
If the chip is significant, you experience pain, the pulp inside the tooth is exposed, or if the chip appears to be getting more extensive, you should see a dentist immediately. It is vital to receive professional treatment to avoid infection, exacerbation, or additional issues.