There are many possible causes of a chipped tooth. Opening packages with your teeth, biting down on hard foods or objects and facial trauma can chip teeth. Whatever the cause, a chipped tooth can bring discomfort and make your teeth less appealing. Fixing a chipped tooth when you first notice it can prevent further problems. You and your dentist can work together to choose a dental restoration.
If someone is unable to see the dentist right away, there are options for alleviating pain. The patient can take over-the-counter painkillers and apply ice. It can be important to avoid foods that are too hot or cold to prevent tooth sensitivity. When a dental appointment is made, the dentist will need to examine the tooth before making any recommendations.
For a small and uncomplicated chip, the dentist may suggest bonding. This simple procedure uses a composite material to mold over the healthy areas of the tooth. The dentist will first roughen the enamel and then shape the composite into a natural-appearing extension.
The composite material will match the shade of the patient’s teeth. This means that it will blend into the rest of the natural teeth and be less noticeable. A blue light will harden the material. The composite can last up to 10 years, and so it is ideal for cosmetic tooth chips.
If the chipped tooth is a more severe cosmetic problem, the dentist may recommend veneers to the patient. This restoration is a porcelain cover that attaches to the front of the teeth. The veneer can cover up the chip and make a patient’s smile look complete and unbroken.
Because it is designed specifically for the patient, the veneer will provide a natural, smooth look when finished. A veneer can last for 10 to 20 years if the patient takes proper care of it.
Like veneers, crowns are porcelain caps for chipped or cracked teeth. The main difference between the two is that a crown will protect the entire tooth. Dentists may recommend a patient get a crown if there is significant tooth loss from the chip or crack.
The dentist can repair tooth shape while also preventing further damage like decay or exposed nerves. Crowns can match the rest of the teeth and be unnoticeable within the mouth.
If the patient has chipped teeth beneath the surface of the gumline, the dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. Once the extraction is complete, the dentist can replace the tooth with a dental implant. This will require removing the tooth and allowing time for the space to heal.
Then the dentist can add a metal post to the gumline before adding an implant that will look and feel like a natural tooth. This can prevent infection and root canals. This option takes the longest, as it requires the patient’s mouth to heal between the extraction and the implant placement.
A chipped tooth is a fairly normal dental problem. However, that does not mean that your restoration should be taken lightly. You can take care of the problem by making an appointment with a dentist and discussing the options. With the proper care and the right treatment, you can return to having a healthy, chip-free smile soon.
Request an appointment here: https://gallodental.com or call GDC Smiles at (770) 504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Chipped Tooth in Gainesville, GA.
When a person is missing one or more teeth but does not need a full set of dentures, dental bridges may be recommended to take the place of the lost teeth. The number of teeth that a dental bridge replaces may depend on several factors.Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns that attach to…
For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.Metal crowns have the advantage of…
A dentist can help patients restore lost teeth with traditional dental crowns or dental implants. Tooth loss, regardless of the cause — accident or trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease — not only affects your self-esteem, but it may also contribute to major dental problems in the future.Although both are effective for tooth restoration, there…
Having dental crowns can change the way your mouth looks. Any distortion in the size and shape of your teeth can disappear with the help of caps. Crowns are custom-fit restorations capable of restoring and protecting your teeth. If you want to know how dental crowns can bring back your tooth’s size and shape, here…
Partial dentures are one of the missing teeth replacement options you get to choose from if you have lost some of your teeth. Unlike dental bridges, you do not have to have missing teeth right next to each other to use partial dentures to replace them. These oral prosthetics can be used to replace missing…
Clear braces are a popular and effective teeth straightening option for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment without the visible brackets and wires of traditional braces. These braces are known for their discreet design and effective results. Do you have questions about this service? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about clear braces treatment.Clear…