At Parkway Family Dental in Windsor, we offer reliable emergency dental care when you need it most. Our experienced team is here to provide prompt and effective treatment to relieve your pain and restore your smile

Broken Veneers? 3 Things You Should Do Before You See Your Dentist

While dental veneers are tough and durable, there’s a small chance that they can crack or break loose from the tooth’s surface. If either one of these things happen to you, call your dentist immediately to make an appointment for a repair. If you can’t get in to see your dentist right away — same day or emergency appointment — don’t worry. In most cases, broken veneers do not cause any pain or problems. However, you should do the following three things while you’re waiting for your appointment day to arrive. More information here

Remove and Save Pieces

Remove any loose pieces of veneer along with any pieces that are barely hanging on to your tooth. If a piece of your veneer feels like it is solidly attached to your tooth, leave it in place. Save the broken pieces of veneer to take to your dentist by wrapping them in a paper towel and placing them in a hard container, such as a glass storage container. If your veneer came off in one solid piece, your dentist may be able to reattach it. If not, your dentist will have to order new veneers for you. Regardless, your dentist will probably want to inspect the veneer to see why it broke.

Check for Sharp Edges

After your veneer breaks, you may notice sharp places on your tooth caused by leftover bonding agent. The remaining broken pieces of veneer may be sharp as well. These sharp angles can cause damage to your gums, tongue and cheeks if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important for you to take note of sharp places and make adjustments accordingly. You may find that chewing on the opposite side helps.

Relieve Sensitivity

If you notice any sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, you may want to avoid eating or drinking items that are extreme in temperature. If you’re experiencing extreme sensitivity, purchase some dental wax from your local drugstore and place it over the affected tooth. The wax will create a barrier between your exposed tooth and the things you eat, which should eliminate your sensitivity.

Continue to brush your teeth and eat normally until you see your dentist. Don’t worry about damaging your teeth through normal activity because you won’t. However, you may damage your teeth if you continue to pick at your tooth or any remaining pieces of veneer. Avoid doing further damage by keeping your hands and sharp objects out of your mouth.