Porcelain veneers are indeed a monumental investment in your smile, acting as a durable and natural rage solution for different cosmetic dental difficulties. They are, however, not unscathed from damage. Confirming with your chandelier–accidents do happen–how quickly one may react if a veneer gets chipped, cracked, or altogether lost would be critical in minimizing any complications that could arise and in assuring the long life of the smile enhancement. First and foremost, try to stay calm, and then go on with the next steps. Depending on the extent of the damage, one may even need to seek emergency dental care near me.
Once you identify the damage to your porcelain veneer, it is important to assess the extent of the damage first. Is it a small chip, an obvious crack, or has the entire veneer fallen off? If a piece has broken off, carefully try to retrieve it and keep it somewhere safe, in a little container or even a zip-top bag. There is a chance that the dentist may be able to re-bond the piece.
Then, avoid cases that may worsen the injury. These include being concerned about what you eat and how you bite. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might impart pressure on the remaining veneer or underlying tooth. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid further trauma to the affected side. Also, do not touch the damaged veneer more than necessary with your tongue or fingers, as doing so may cause the introduction of bacteria or greater loosening.
Call up your dentist as soon as you can. Even if the damage appears to be small, having a professional evaluation as soon as possible is always best. When delayed, treatment may lead to more severe problems, such as sensitivity or discomfort and, even worse, damage to the underlying tooth. While giving your call to the dental office, clearly explain the situation, the type of damage sustained, and when it happened. Depending on the severity of the case, they will let you know how urgent it is and set up an appointment for you. Sometimes, when the damage is affecting you a lot or causing you pain, they may get you to go to an emergency dental clinic near me.
However, before you see your dentist, there are some temporary remedies you may try to alleviate pain and protect the damaged area. If the edges of the remaining veneer are sharp and poke into your tongue or cheek, smooth the rough edges gently with dental wax, one of the things that can be purchased from a pharmacy. Over-the-counter analgesics will take care of the sensitivity or mild pain that you could be feeling.
Do not try to repair the veneer with any dental cements or glues that could be bought over the counter. Such products are manufactured to serve a different purpose than this, and they may cause your tooth or veneer extra damage, which would make the professional repair either difficult or downright impossible. Let your experienced professional handle the repair or replacement procedure.
At your appointment, the dentist will check your damaged veneer and underlying tooth carefully. How treatment proceeds will depend on what kind and how severe the damage is. If it’s just a small chip, the dentist might be able to smooth it out or even repair it with composite resin bonding-a sort of tooth-colored material that’s already used for fillings. Veneers which have cracks or are more seriously damaged will require replacement.
If the whole veneer has fallen off, and you still have it, your dentist will take a look at how well it fits and examine the underlying tooth. If both are fine, they may be able to put the original veneer back in perfect order. However, if the veneer is damaged, or the bonding surface of the tooth is compromised, a new veneer will have to be made. Typically, this procedure involves taking an impression of your tooth, which will be sent out to a dental laboratory where they will fabricate a new porcelain veneer that fits precisely. You will likely have to wear a temporary veneer so that your tooth is protected in the interim period.
Avoiding damage to your porcelain veneers is surely preferable to having to deal with repairs. More than that, though, veneers are made to last-but certain forces can be scary for them. Do not bite hard objects: ice, hard candies, or nuts-for veneered teeth. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles or tear packages. If you participate in a contact sport, a mouthguard should be treasured to protect the veneers from trauma. Should you clench your teeth at night (bruxism), have a talk with your dentist as well; after all, he or she may recommend a nightguard to help protect your veneers from the damaging effects. Practice good oral health by brushing and flossing regularly and attending your dental check-ups; this will help in maintaining your veneers and your smile in great shape.
Also Read: How Oral Health Impacts Emotional Well-Being in Children
