How a General Dentist Can Treat a Chipped Tooth

Did you recently chip a tooth? Read on to learn about how a dentist can address this problem. A chipped tooth is one of those dental problems many people are forced to deal with at some point. It can be caused by several things, like a slip, fall, or facial trauma. It can also be caused by a tooth's structures being weakened by acids made by oral bacteria.

Chipped teeth vary in severity, but the injury always requires treatment. A chipped tooth ruins the aesthetics of your smile, it makes the tooth more prone to tooth decay, and sharp edges created by the damage can cut soft tissues in the mouth, like the cheeks.

Treatment options for a chipped tooth

There are many different treatment options for a chipped tooth. The best way to determine the best treatment for the patient is to visit the dentist for an examination and consultation. The type of chip will decide which course of action the individual needs to take. If the breakage is small, the dentist can repair it with bonding, dental inlay, or veneers. However, if the damage is severe, it might require a crown or a dental onlay.

Composite bonding

Dentists often recommend composite bonding for minor chips and breaks. The treatment involves applying a composite directly to the patient's tooth and molding it as desired to restore its aesthetics. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not require alterations to the patient's tooth.

Anesthetics are typically not used during the procedure since it does not cause pain. Instead, the dentist cleans the patient's tooth and roughens its exterior during the treatment, so the composite adheres better to it. Next, the composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened with a curing light. Finally, the restored tooth is polished to help prevent stains from forming on it.

Veneers

These tooth-shaped restorations can cover chips that mainly affect the front part of the patient's tooth. The restoration serves as a mask covering any damage on the tooth behind it. Dentists often recommend veneers for mild to severe breaks. 

Placing veneers on a tooth typically involves removing enamel to make room for the thin shell. Removing enamel prevents the cosmetic from causing the patient's tooth to appear unnaturally bulky. However, it is an irreversible procedure, so the tooth will always need a restoration to serve as its enamel.

Dental Crowns

For severe chips, a dentist may recommend crown placement. These restorations cover the tooth's visible part, preventing further damage, protecting against bite forces, and keeping irritants like the acids made by bacteria away.

Treating a tooth with a crown usually involves two trips to the dental office. The first portion of the treatment involves the dentist preparing the patient's teeth and taking an impression. Then, the patient gets a temporary crown placed on their tooth at the end of the first appointment.

The impression taken is sent to a dental lab where restorations are fabricated. The customized restoration takes roughly two weeks to get back to the dentist. The dentist will remove the temporary crown during the second visit and cements the custom crown into place. Then, they will make alterations needed to make sure the restoration fits correctly.

Dental Inlays

Dentists typically recommend dental inlays to repair front teeth weakened by decay or fractures from trauma, such as a sports injury. An inlay is a thin shell placed over the tooth's surface, similar to veneers. They are typically made of porcelain because they look more natural than other materials and do not stain or chip easily. They can also be made of composite resin, but porcelain is more durable and offers a longer life span. 

Dental Onlays

A dental onlay is a dental restoration that covers a tooth's cusps and chewing surface. Dentists can use it to restore a chipped tooth or teeth. A dental onlay is usually made out of porcelain or plastic. It is bonded with the patient's tooth using one of the following special bonding materials:

• Porcelain
• Gold
• Composite resin

They are different from dental crowns because instead of covering the tooth completely, they restore only a part of the tooth. 

Schedule an appointment today

A chipped or cracked tooth can occur for any number of reasons. However, a chipped or cracked tooth, even a small one, can severely damage your smile if left untreated. In addition, untreated fractures can lead to infections, sensitivity, and very unattractive smiles. Fortunately, our general dentist is equipped to handle small repairs and prevent further damage. All you have to do is contact our office, schedule an appointment, and show up for the appointment; we will take care of the rest.

Request an appointment here: https://pearlcity.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 214-9287 for an appointment in our Downey office.

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