If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a filling or crown. If left untreated, a chip or break in a tooth can lead to further damage and even loss of the tooth. At Monahan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a full range of dental treatments to meet your needs. We understand that a chipped tooth can be a painful and stressful experience. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care and get you back to smiling as soon as possible.
Chipped Tooth: Causes and Symptoms
A chipped tooth is a dental condition where one or more teeth have lost some of their surfaces. This can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury; grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism); biting on something hard, such as ice, a nut, or a pencil; or using your teeth to open something that is too tough, such as a bottle cap. Chipping can also occur as a result of dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. If the margins of these dental treatments are not appropriately placed, they can leave areas of vulnerability on the tooth where it is more likely to chip.
The most common symptoms of a chipped tooth are sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, pain when biting down on something hard, and discoloration of the tooth. Depending on how severe the chip is, your dentist may be able to repair it with a filling or bonding material. If the chip is large or the tooth is severely damaged, you may need a crown (cap) or even an implant.
Chipped Tooth Repair Treatment Options
When it comes to treatment for a chipped tooth, it will depend on the severity of the chip. If the chip is small, your dentist may just smooth it down and polish it. However, if the chip is bigger or has jagged edges, then your dentist may need to perform more complex solutions, including:
Dental Filling or Bonding
A dental filling is a restoration used to fill in the space where tooth decay has been removed from a tooth. Dental bonding, also called composite bonding, is a treatment used to fix teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or crooked. In most cases, composite bonding is less expensive than other treatments such as veneers or crowns. Composite bonding uses a resin material that is applied to the tooth and then hardened with ultraviolet light. The resin can be used to rebuild the shape of the tooth, fill in cracks or gaps, and cover up discoloration. Composite bonding usually takes one visit to the dentist’s office and does not require any special preparation by the patient.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that can be used to correct chipped teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They can be used to close spaces between the teeth, correct irregular tooth shapes, and hide discoloration or chips in the teeth. Veneers are a popular choice for treating chipped teeth because they are a relatively conservative treatment option. Unlike crowns, veneers do not require the removal of any of the natural tooth structures. Veneers are also more affordable than dental implants or dental bridges.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are often used to treat chipped teeth. The crown essentially covers the damaged tooth, restoring its strength, appearance, and function. In many cases, dental crowns can also help to prevent further damage to the tooth. Dental crowns are made of a variety of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Once in place, dental crowns look and function just like healthy teeth.
Is It Necessary To Repair A Chipped Tooth?
If you have a chipped tooth and don’t fix it, there are several consequences that could occur. Some of the most common consequences include:
- Tooth decay: When the enamel on your teeth is damaged, it can leave your teeth susceptible to tooth decay. This is because the dentin (the softer layer of your tooth that lies beneath the enamel) is exposed, and bacteria can more easily invade and damage the dentin.
- Increased risk of gum disease: Gum disease is a serious infection that can occur when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it will harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease.
- Pain: A chipped tooth can be painful, especially if the nerve is exposed.
- Sensitivity: A chipped tooth can also be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is because the protective enamel layer is damaged, exposing the dentin layer beneath.
- Infection: If a chipped tooth is not treated, it can become infected. This is because bacteria can enter the tooth through the damaged enamel and cause an infection.
- Loss of tooth: In severe cases, a chipped tooth can be lost completely. This is more likely to occur if the tooth is not treated and becomes infected.
Call Our Dentists!
Chipped teeth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, it can cause further damage to the tooth. It’s important to visit a dentist as soon as you notice that you have chipped your tooth, so they can assess the damage and provide you with the necessary treatment. If you’re looking for the best dentist in town, Monahan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is just around the corner! We offer chipped tooth treatment services that will restore your smile in no time. Our team of experienced dentists will work with you to find the best treatment for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how we can help!
Monahan
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1698 Westbrook Ave
Burlington, NC 27215
Call us at 336-228-7576
info@monahanfamilydentistry.com
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