A chipped tooth can be worrisome, make you insecure about your smile and can be caused by a number of things. Did you fall? Open a packaged with your teeth? (Remember, never open anything with your teeth!) Or did you chip it while eating something hard? If you've chipped a tooth it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible so it doesn't cause any further issues. A chipped tooth can not only cause pain sometimes but also make you insecure with your smile. Here are some ways a chipped or broken tooth can be fixed:
If the chip is minor, a simple bonding may be recommended. This is where composite material is molded over the healthy part of the tooth creating an even appearance correcting the chip. The composite is then set with a blue light that harden the material making it strong and durable. When taken good care of, bonding can last up to 10 years.
For more serious chips that cause cosmetic issues, veneers may be the answer. These are porcelain composites that basically cover the front of the teeth. When applied and finished, the appearance is smooth and natural. These are a great solution if a tooth bonding has cracked many times. Luckily, veneers can last anywhere from 10-20 years of taken care of properly.
Similar to veneers, crowns are also porcelain covers for teeth. However, crowns cover the entire tooth--not just the front. Crowns are best suited when a large portion of the tooth falls off due to a crack. Crowns can quickly repair the shape of the tooth and prevent further damage.
The final solution is dental implants. These are used for serious cases. If the tooth is chipped right before the gumline, then it's recommended the tooth be removed and a dental implant be put in its place.
Having a chipped tooth is a common issue but it doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking. Take care of the problem as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage and visit an emergency dentist such as Pesis Dental Group!
