Treatments for Chipped Teeth from Car Accidents
Posted on December 11th, 2018 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Chipped teeth are one of the most common dental injuries that result from car accidents. While all teeth are at risk of chipping during these accidents, the lower molars and teeth with fillings are the most prone. Symptoms of a chipped tooth include a sore tooth, irritation of the gum around the chipped tooth and a jagged surface around the tooth. The good news is that there are a variety of treatments available for chipped teeth.
Chipped Teeth Treatments
The treatment your dentist chooses for your chipped tooth will depend on several factors, like its severity and location. Here are some of the available treatment options:
- Bonding: Bonding involves cementing composite resin or porcelain material on the chipped tooth. Your dentist will apply ultraviolet lights to the tooth to help harden the material. Bonding can last up to 10 years, as long as you take proper care of your teeth. You’ll want to avoid chewing on ice and hard food that can damage the material.
- Reattachment: If the tooth fragment that broke off is fairly small and you were able to retrieve it, your dentist might be able to reattach it to your tooth. It’s important to put the fragment in a glass of milk right away to keep it moist and see your dentist immediately.
- Dental Crown: If a large part of the tooth chipped off, a dentist may choose to put a dental crown over it to improve its appearance and strength. Crowns can typically be placed on a tooth in one to two appointments and can last up to 15 years.
- Dental Veneer: If the front tooth is chipped, putting a dental veneer over it may be the best option. Veneers are made out of tooth-colored porcelain or resin composite material and look just like natural teeth.
Taking Care of Chipped Tooth at Home
If you can’t see a dentist immediately for a chipped tooth, there are several things you can do at home to prevent further damage.
- Put sugar-free gum over the chipped tooth to protect your gums and tongue.
- Take an over-the-counter pain killer if you feel any discomfort.
- Don’t chew with the chipped tooth, as it can cause more damage.
- Place an ice pack of your cheek if the chipped tooth is sore.
Talking to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you suffered a chipped tooth in a car accident that was another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer Alexandria, VA trusts soon to discuss all of your options. He or she can help you gather important evidence, identify key witnesses and negotiate with insurance companies. A skilled injury will know the approximate worth of your injury and will fight hard to help you receive fair compensation.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that you will only owe your lawyer money if you win your case.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Cohen & Cohen, PC for their insight into car accidents claims and dental injuries.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
