How to fix a Sharp tooth?
In case of crunching into hard food or experiencing an injury, a sharp or jagged edge may indicate a broken or chipped tooth.
A sharp tooth can cause unease, particularly when it makes contact with your tongue, lips or cheek. The level of pain experienced will be determined by the extent of injury.
It is not advisable to use a nail file to even out the sharp edges of your enamel. Doing so can result in hazardous consequences, especially when trying to fix a chipped or cracked tooth at home; it may only exacerbate the problem and make matters worse.
The course of chipped tooth treatment is contingent upon the extent of the damage on the tooth. In case a small piece of enamel broke, a dental professional can potentially treat this issue in a single office visit. Conversely, a significantly broken tooth would require more intricate and involved procedures.
There are a variety of dental treatments available for your dentist to resolve a sharp tooth:
1. Reshaping the Tooth
In the event of minor enamel chipping on a tooth, rectifying it could be a straightforward process that involves simply polishing the jagged edge.
Tooth reshaping can be completed in a matter of seconds and is typically not associated with pain. This minor procedure serves to safeguard delicate oral tissues, including the tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues, from irritation caused by chipped enamel.
2. Dental Filling/Bonding
Dental professionals have the ability to repair minor tooth damage such as a chip or break with a dental bonding composite procedure that is similar to treating a cavity. The dentist will choose a color shade that closely resembles the natural color of your teeth.
3. Dental Crown
In the event that a major portion of your tooth fractures, or if there is significant decay, a dental crown may be necessary. Typically, this type of restorative procedure is carried out over two appointments by most dentists.
A dental crown, designed to look and function like a natural tooth, is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged tooth.
4. Dental Veneers
When faced with a broken or chipped front tooth, one alternative to consider is the dental veneer. A dental veneer comprises a thin shell of tooth-colored material that spans the front surface of the tooth.
It is a common practice for veneers, much like crowns, to necessitate two visits to the dentist’s office. In order to ensure a proper fit, it may be necessary for your dentist to remove some of the tooth’s enamel by shaving it down.
5. Root Canal Therapy
In the event that a tooth becomes damaged enough to affect the nerve tissue, the only viable solution is a root canal. This procedure effectively salvages teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to extreme damage or infection.
Following the root canal procedure, your dental professional will proceed to cap the affected tooth with a crown. The process of carrying out a root canal and fitting a crown may require up to four scheduled appointments with your dentist.
What to Do if You Have a Sharp Tooth
Dentists possess numerous treatments to address a chipped tooth. However, in situations where you cannot immediately visit their dental office, certain remedies are available to alleviate sharp tooth pain temporarily from the comfort of your own residence.
It is imperative to promptly seek professional dental assistance in the event of a chipped or fractured tooth. Failure to address such damage can result in potentially severe consequences, including infection and eventual loss of the affected tooth.
In the event of a chipped or broken tooth, prompt action is necessary:
- Perform a mouth rinse with warm water.
- In case of bleeding, it is recommended to apply pressure in order to manage and stop the flow of blood.
- In order to reduce inflammation, it is recommended to apply a cold compress.
If an individual had a knocked-out tooth, it is classified as a dental emergency that necessitates immediate treatment within one hour. It’s imperative to consult an emergency dentist in such situations. On the other hand, if there is a severe injury that causes unconsciousness, calling 911 for urgent medical assistance would be the ideal course of action.