Although dental enamel is among the toughest tissues in the body, it is still prone to damage. Hence, falls, accidents, sports injuries, using teeth as a package-opening tool, and more can result in a broken tooth. So if you are tending to a fractured or broken tooth, it’s best to consult your dentist for prompt treatment. In this blog, we will inform you how a dentist might fix a chipped tooth.
Professional Methods to Fix a Chipped Tooth
It can be quite worrisome to notice you have a bokeh or slightly chipped tooth; after all, permanent teeth do not grow back. However, your dentist is sure to have the solution that will restore your smile. The treatment will depend on the severity of chipping or break, be it bonding or veneers.
Here are a few broken tooth repair options, depending on your case:
- Dental Bonding
You can opt for dental bonding as a restoration option if you have a slightly chipped tooth. Your dentist will mold a composite material over the chip as well as the healthy area of the affected tooth. Before the composite is applied, the dentist will roughen the tooth enamel, so the material properly attaches. Then, the bond is attached and shaped to resemble your natural teeth. Lastly, the dentist will use a blue light to harden the composite. - Dental Veneers
If the chip is severe, you will require dental veneers. The veneer procedure involves placing the porcelain shell on top of the chipped tooth, covering the damage. Since it resembles your natural teeth, no one will be able to tell you have dental work done unless they really look for it. However, placing veneers might require some of your tooth enamel to make room for the tooth-like wafer-thin shells. You can consult your dentist on what the treatment will involve for you. - Fillings
The dentist might suggest dental filling to fix your chipped tooth. This is especially true in case of the chipped tooth is a molar or back tooth that is not very visible. Nowadays, you can choose a filling material that resembles the color and feel of natural teeth. - Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a promising option for fixing a chipped tooth as well. They will cover your entire tooth, protecting it from further harm. Therefore, dentists recommend dental caps if the damage leads to significant loss of the original tooth. Moreover, dental crowns help reduce additional decay, damage, and pain from exposed nerves by covering the broken tooth. And that’s not all! You can restore the aesthetics of your smile with the help of a crown. - Dental Implants
Dental implants are also an effective alternative to repair a chipped tooth. However, this is only suitable if you have suffered damage that leaves little to no broken tooth above the gumline. In such instances, it’s considered better to remove the tooth and place an implant after the gums have healed.
This is one of the ways to fix a chipped tooth, but remember: dental implants are the last resort! Your dentist will always try to restore your original tooth first.
What’s Next?
If you have a broken tooth, worry not! There are multiple answers to how to fix a chipped tooth. These include dental bonding, veneers, filling, crown, and more. In severe cases, you might even need a root canal. So if you have a dental emergency, talk to a dental specialist!
At Smiles Forever Dental, we know how important your overall oral health is. This is why we offer a wide range of effective dental procedures to help restore your smile. Call us now at (661) 666-4433.