A chipped tooth is not always a serious dental condition unless the damage reaches the pulp chamber. However, that does not mean it is okay to ignore a chipped tooth simply because it is not causing pain. The most likely part of a tooth to be affected by a chip is the outer layer known as enamel, but that is also the part that protects the rest of the tooth.
The loss of enamel leaves the more sensitive inner layers of a tooth without its natural protection from acids and bacteria. As a result, the tooth is more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. To make matters worse, the tooth might become infected if it is left untreated. Regardless of how minor the damage to a tooth is, it is best to have a dentist evaluate the injury and determine the best way to treat it.
The best way to prevent a chipped tooth from turning into a bigger oral problem is by getting it checked out by a dentist. Dentists have treatments at their disposal that can be used to fix any aesthetic issues caused by the damage and to prevent further damage from occurring.
Composite bonding: This is one of the more affordable treatments performed by dentists. It involves applying a moldable composite to the patient's teeth and rebuilding it. Composites are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. They can be color-matched with the patient's teeth to ensure that any repairs look natural in the mouth. The application of composite resin is a reversible treatment, so patients can still explore other options down the road. The application of composite resin on a damaged tooth typically takes less than an hour for each tooth being treated.
Crowns: These are one of the most commonly used restorations by dentists and are a great way to protect a chipped tooth. The crown covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums and protects it from bite forces, bacteria and acids. Crowns are designed to look like real teeth, making it virtually impossible to tell when a person has a crown on one of their teeth. Fitting a tooth with a crown requires the dentist to remove enamel from all four sides. This leads to a better fit with the crown. It is an irreversible process, so the tooth will always need a crown to protect it moving forward.
Veneers: These restorations are only used when the damage affects strictly the front part of the tooth. Veneers serve as masks that hide flaws, and they protect that area from acids and bacteria.
Drop by our Franklin clinic, or give us a call to learn more about how we can protect your chipped tooth from further damage.
Request an appointment here: https://franklincosmeticdentist.com or call Cedar Lane Family Dentistry at (317) 736-7476 for an appointment in our Franklin office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Teeth that are severely decayed or fractured may benefit from dental crowns, which cover the damaged portions of the teeth, protecting them and restoring their functionality. A dental crown is crafted to fit the remaining portion of the tooth exactly and permanently bond to it. However, crowns are not perfect, and while they are usually…
When a dental practitioner recommends a dental crown, it may not be up to the patient. These dental devices are used to treat various conditions that cause a tooth to need serious work. When a crown is required, it usually means that the tooth it covers is too far gone to be useful, but it…
Have you ever wondered what a dental crown restoration is? It is one option for repairing your teeth if you have a cracked or broken tooth or if your tooth has extensive wear and tear. A crown is made from porcelain and metal alloy, which makes them very strong and durable. This is a common…
For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.Metal crowns have the advantage of…