Tooth enamel is surprisingly one of the strongest substances. Enamel is the hard, outer shell that covers each tooth. This durable shield is very important because it protects the teeth from decay. Even though it is very tough, it does have limits. Unfortunately, if a tooth’s enamel is destroyed, the body does not replace it like many other parts of the body.
Despite the tooth being covered in this tough substance, it is not indestructible. It is actually common for people to get small chips in their teeth. A few causes of this dental concern include teeth grinding or a dental injury. Our dentists at Complete Dentistry For All Ages help patients with chipped teeth in Lexington, KY.
Chipped Tooth Repair & Treatment
Dr. Chambers offers several treatments to repair your chipped tooth. Treatment will be determined by the severity of the damage. A small chip can most likely be repaired in one visit but larger chips may require several visits to fix.
Dental Filling
If you only chipped a small piece of enamel, Dr. Chambers can repair it with a simple dental filling. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may use either a direct or indirect filling to repair the chipped tooth. Direct fillings use a composite material that fills the damaged area. We harden direct fillings using a special light, directly bonding it to the tooth. Indirect fillings use a preformed inlay or onlay to fill and repair the chipped tooth. We can complete this common dental procedure in a single visit. To learn about our dental filling procedure, see Dental filling.
Dental Bonding
Our dentist can repair a chipped tooth using dental bonding to restore the shape and appearance of the tooth. Tooth bonding is a quick repair for a chipped tooth, especially if it is one of the front teeth. During the procedure, Dr. Chambers will apply a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth and sculpt it into the desired shape. The resin bonds with the existing tooth structure to restore the natural look of the tooth.
This is an inexpensive treatment that we can complete in a single visit, however it is not a permanent repair. To learn why, and other factors that go into this procedure, visit Dental bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers offer a more permanent solution for chipped teeth. A tooth veneer is an ultra-thin shell that our dentist bonds to the front of a tooth to hide the damage. Our porcelain veneers look very natural. This is because porcelain is extremely durable and stain resistant and can match any color and shape, which allows it to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
Additionally, as it’s a ceramic material, it will catch the light in the same way as your natural tooth enamel, making your smile look natural and brighter. This treatment will take about two to three appointments to complete. To learn about our veneer options, see Porcelain veneers.
Dental Crown
We use dental crowns to cap a tooth that has significant chips and damage. A dental crown covers and strengthens the tooth, improves the appearance of the chipped tooth, and restores it to its original shape and size. It will also help protect the chipped tooth from further damage and decay.
Dr. Chambers will place a custom dental crown over the chipped tooth to restore its strength and prevent further damage. This treatment will require two to three office visits to complete. To learn more about our dental crown process, see Dental crowns.
If you have a chipped tooth, it is important to know what to do to restore the tooth to its original state. Dr. Chambers offers comprehensive dental treatments to restore a tooth that has been chipped. Most people will know they have a chipped tooth because they can easily feel the jagged edge with their tongue. Other symptoms include pain when biting down and irritation around the gums.
What To Do If You Have a Chipped Tooth
A small chip in your tooth may not seem like an emergency but it actually should be looked at as soon as possible. Most of the time it won’t even hurt but the true damage comes from ignoring the problem. Waiting to treat any teeth that are chipped may lead to further dental problems. It could become infected or allow bacteria to enter the tooth canal.
This can cause a lot of pain and possibly even lead to tooth loss. If any of your teeth become chipped, you should contact the office of Dr. Chambers to have it looked at as soon as possible. She will be able to diagnose and determine the severity of the teeth that are chipped with a visual exam.
Chipped Tooth FAQs
Learn more about chipped teeth below:
What happens if you leave a chipped tooth untreated?
If you leave a chipped tooth untreated it may become infected and can cause other health issues over time. Infections may migrate to other parts of the body which can cause many more problems.
Can a chipped tooth grow back?
A chipped tooth cannot grow back. Dentists can do repairs to mold that tooth back to its original shape, but you only get two sets of teeth; your baby teeth and adult teeth. There are many options a dentist can offer you to fix a chipped tooth, but it will not grow back.
Is bonding the best option for a chipped tooth?
No, bonding is one of the less durable options for fixing a chipped tooth. They typically last between three and seven years with good care. Bonds can also chip which is another reason they are known to be a less durable option.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Contact Complete Dentistry For All Ages for chipped tooth treatment today at 859-251-3809. You can also request a dental consultation with our dentist on our website.