A chipped tooth is one of those things that often occur at the worst time possible. For the most part, these are not considered to be dental emergencies, but more severe cases do require emergency dental care.
The size of the portion of the tooth that is lost when it chips often determines what types of treatments the dentist decides to go with.
Minor cases of chipped teeth often do not require more than the dentist filing down the tooth and polishing it. This helps to make the chip virtually impossible to detect.
Composite bonding is another commonly used treatment for chipped teeth. It involves the use of a composite resin, and it is typically reserved for minor to medium chips. During the procedure, the dentist will prepare the patient's teeth for the composite by applying phosphoric acid. This helps roughen the teeth's surface, making it easier for the composite to stick to it.
The composite is then applied directly to the tooth, and it is shaped as desired. An ultraviolet light is used to harden the putty-like material, and it is polished to give it a shiny look, just like natural teeth.
Dental crowns are another popular option when it comes to treating a chipped tooth. Crowns can be used to address chips of all sizes, but they are best for medium to major chips, given their price tags. Crowns serve two primary purposes: They help protect the damaged tooth from saliva, food particles and bacteria, and they also restore the look and function of the tooth.
Crowns are most often made out of ceramics and porcelain, but other materials like gold, silver and a host of metal alloys can be used. The dentist might have to remove additional portions of the tooth being treated to make space for the crown.
Veneers are another way the appearance of a chipped tooth can be restored. These prosthetics serve as a mask that covers the front of a tooth, hiding any imperfections like chips, discoloration and stains. Veneers are made from porcelain or ceramics. and these devices can last up to 15 years when properly maintained.
It should be noted that veneers only cover the front of a tooth, so a patient might not be eligible for this treatment if the chip was on another area of the tooth besides the front.
During the installation, the dentist might remove a small portion of the enamel in the front of the tooth. This is done to prevent the prosthetic from making the tooth appear larger than normal. Once veneers have been installed, it is virtually impossible to tell if the person has had work done.
There is no reason to let a chipped tooth ruin your smile. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists and explore your options.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Palm Beach Dentistry, request an appointment in our Delray Beach dental office here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com. Or call us at (561) 225-2057.
Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to permanently alter your smile. Knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks or if it cracks can mean the difference between needing an implant later and saving the original tooth.A broken tooth is an urgent matter, and in many…
A tooth abscess is a dental emergency because it has a risk of the infection expanding to other parts of the body. If an abscess spreads to the brain, it can have life-threatening effects.Abscesses can be incredibly painful, and the pain is often accompanied by swelling. The severity of the pain and swelling is often…
A cracked tooth may be a dental emergency if certain more severe symptoms develop. Although not every cracked tooth requires immediate attention, it is important to understand the more serious symptoms that indicate a cracked tooth is a dental emergency and requires prompt care.If your cracked tooth causes a high level of discomfort or increases…
When it comes to dealing with a chipped tooth, there are a variety of dental treatments that can be used to repair the damage done to the tooth and restore its appearance. Failing to have chipped teeth repaired often leads to more serious complications like infections and toothaches.The treatment used for each particular case often…
Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist can help you get a clear idea of the final amount. Understanding the specific elements of your dental procedure is important in setting your budget. Here is a comprehensive guide for determining the cost of your dental restoration.This dental restoration…
Nothing looks and feels quite like natural teeth. Therefore, if your tooth becomes decayed or damaged, a dentist will try to repair or save the tooth with a dental restoration. Most people who have been to the dentist have had some type of restoration. They range from simple filings for cavities to crowns for more…