How Can I Fix a Sharp Tooth?

How Can I Fix a Sharp Tooth?

The tough outer covering of your tooth, known as enamel, is an extremely strong substance. It is the most mineralized and hardest tissue in the body. However, it can be damaged. Too much wear and tear or a powerful strike can result in broken or chipped teeth. This can result in a tooth with an uneven surface that can be sharp, disfiguring, and tender. 

It can hurt to break, crack, or chip a tooth. You can damage your teeth in different ways. Depending on the type of injury and condition of your teeth, the damage can be extensive or slight. If you discover that you have a sharp tooth, you should not panic. A good dentist can do several things to fix the problem. 

What to Do When You Break or Chip a Tooth

Most dentists do not advise home remedies for broken teeth. However, doing certain things will help to protect your teeth and mouth. If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately to clean it. If you notice blood, apply pressure to stem the bleeding.  Placing a cold compress on the affected area will reduce bleeding. 

How to Care for a Sharp Tooth

If you fracture, chip, or break a tooth, you need to visit your dentist’s office as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, your tooth could suffer more damage or infection, leading to tooth loss. However, if you are experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain medication and rinse your mouth with salty water. 

If the break caused a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with sugarless gum or some wax paraffin. This will prevent it from cutting the inside of your cheek or your tongue. Also, if you must eat, avoid biting down on the chipped tooth and choose soft foods. 

Treatment for a Chipped or Broken Tooth

The gravity of the damage will determine the treatment you will need. If only a tiny piece of tooth enamel broke off, your dentist could fix it in one office visit. A seriously damaged tooth, however, may require a more costly and lengthy treatment procedure. Some of the ways dentists fix a sharp tooth include:
 

• Filling or Bonding

If just a small piece of enamel broke off, your dentist will fix the problem with a filling. If the damage is visible when you talk or smile, the dentist will likely bond your tooth using a composite resin colored like your natural teeth.
 

• Cap or Crown

If a larger piece of your tooth breaks off, your dentist may file or grind away part of the remaining tooth. Your dentist will then cover it with a tooth-shaped cap or crown to protect and improve the appearance of your tooth.
 

• Dental Veneers

If you have a chipped or broken front tooth, a dental veneer can make your tooth look healthy and whole again. This thin shell of resin composite or porcelain material will have a thicker section to replace the damaged part of your tooth. 

To learn about the best way to fix a sharp tooth, visit Elite Dentistry and Implant Center at our office in Chelsea, Alabama. You can also call 205-224-0040 today to schedule an appointment.