Can you fix a chipped tooth? Not on your own – but a professional dentist absolutely can. When it comes to smile restoration, several solutions are in your dentist’s toolbox.
- Fillings
- Root Canals
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Bonding
A Tiny Chip Can Be Fixed With A Filling
If the damage doesn’t affect the root, you might need a dental filling to fix a crack or hole in the tooth. Your dentist will use a drill and other tools to remove the damaged part of the tooth, then fill in the space with composite resin or porcelain. The filling bonds to your tooth, strengthening it and restoring appearance and function.
Deep Repair: A Root Canal
Untreated chipped teeth can lead to the following complications:
- Cavities
- Infection
- Painful Abscesses
In this case, you’ll need a root canal treatment. During this process, your dentist or endodontist will clean the canals inside your tooth’s root to remove infected pulp. The channel is then filled and sealed. Many people dread the term “root canal” thanks to horror stories from decades ago, but today, having a root canal treatment isn’t much different than a regular filling.
Hide The Chip With A Crown
A dental crown is a type of cap that fits over your tooth. To fit the crown, your dentist must remove the external layer and ensure no infection before cementing the crown to the remaining tooth. The crown will be colored to match your remaining teeth -you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Transform Your Smile With Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin cover that attaches to the surface of your teeth. Unlike crowns, which are fitted to one tooth, you can get veneers to cover all your teeth. No wonder they’re a popular choice for smile makeovers.
A Quick Fix: Bonding
Unlike crowns, which work on all of your teeth, bonding works best on front teeth that don’t involve as much biting and chewing. When considering bonding versus other methods, remember that the bonding resin is less durable than crowns or veneers; over time, it may change color compared to your natural teeth.
Taking Care Of Your Restored Smile
Here are some extra tips to help keep you smiling before and after your cracked tooth repair.
- Brush Twice A Day
- Floss daily
- Don’t Chew Ice Or Other Hard Objects
- Consider Mouthguards For Tooth Grinding Or Contact Sports
- Schedule Regular Dental Exams
Chipped Teeth? Call Today To Fix Your Smile
Don’t wait for a painful abscess to develop in your broken tooth. Pro Smile Dental Care is here for you if you want a great dental team serving the Danville, CA, area. We’ll use modern techniques to determine whether a root canal, filling, crown, or other repair is right for you. Our job – and joy – is to keep our patients smiling, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.
