Chipped Tooth? Let Our Experts Restore Your Smile Safely and Swiftly
While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it’s still susceptible to damage. Chips can occur when there is trauma to the face or jaw from a sports injury, accident, or fall. They can also develop due to teeth grinding, tooth decay, thinning enamel, using the teeth as tools, or biting down on hard foods.
No matter how you chipped your tooth, you’ll likely want the damage repaired immediately. A reputable dentist can recommend various treatments for your chipped tooth and restore your smile swiftly and precisely.
Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth
If you recently chipped a tooth, it’s recommended that you save the chip if possible. However, your dentist can usually repair your tooth even without the chip. Treatment options will depend on the size and severity of the damage. Some of the most common dental procedures for a chipped tooth include:
Polishing
Minor chips in a tooth are often the easiest to restore. Most small chips can be polished and smoothed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth. Polishing helps eliminate rough edges and restore the tooth’s natural appearance using a minimally invasive approach. However, polishing has limitations and is unsuitable for larger chips, as buffing away too much of the enamel could lead to tooth sensitivity.
Bonding
Bonding is a standard method for repairing chips in teeth to make them appear as if they were never there. This approach involves carefully filling the chip with composite resin material. Your dentist will match the resin material to the surrounding tooth structure to make the restoration seamless. Bonding is a pain-free procedure that does not require numbing.
Veneers
Chips in your teeth, especially the visible front teeth, can be hidden with veneers. These thin tooth-colored coverings are generally constructed of porcelain or composite resin material and are adhered to the front surfaces of the teeth using a special cement. Once in position, the dentist uses a special light to harden the cement quickly.
Crowns
If your dental provider is concerned that the chip in your tooth could cause it to weaken, she may suggest additional protection with a dental crown. Crowns can prevent further tooth damage and help restore its appearance. Getting a crown usually takes at least two visits to the dentist’s office. The first visit involves making an impression of the tooth and preparing it for a crown. Once the crown has been made, it can be permanently cemented into place during the second visit.
See How Our Experts Can Restore Your Smile
If you recently chipped a tooth, it’s essential to have it examined by a dental professional to determine the extent of the damage. At Vero Elite Dentistry, our team of experts can help repair your chipped tooth and restore your smile. Contact us today at 772.569.9700 to schedule an appointment.