Cosmetic Dentistry for Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth are a common cosmetic dentistry problem that could cause significant concern. A chipped tooth can harm the appearance of the smile, especially if the affected tooth is prominent and easily noticeable. The condition, caused by minor physical trauma, chewing hard foods or tooth decay, can get worse if left untreated. This article covers cosmetic dentistry options for repairing a chipped tooth.

Options for repairing chipped teeth

When the patient visits the dental office for treatment, the general dentist will want to ensure that the tooth’s pulp chamber is intact, especially if the cause is due to injury or hard food. If there is an infection, the dentist will need to treat that before the infection spreads. The following are five ways to repair a chipped tooth.

Recontouring

Sometimes, the chip can be a minor and cosmetic without any damage to the rest of the tooth. If this applies, the dentist will use a dental tool to carefully smoothen out the tooth enamel to restore the shape of the tooth. Smoothening ragged edges is important to prevent injury to soft tissues.

Bonding

If the chip did not cause significant damage but the patient does not want to reduce the tooth’s size, which is a possibility with recontouring, dental bonding is an excellent cosmetic dentistry option. The process involves using tooth-colored composite resin to rebuild the tooth. The dentist will roughen the chipped using a dental etch so the resin can adhere strongly to the tooth. After rinsing and drying the tooth, they will apply the composite resin and dry it with a curing light. The teeth will be smoothened and polished to restore its appearance.

Dental crown

If the tooth is severely chipped, broken or fractured, the dentist may recommend capping the tooth with a dental crown. The crown, made from porcelain, zirconia, or composite material, can restore the shape and strength of the tooth. To place the crown, the dentist will first remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth. Impressions of the teeth will be taken and sent to the dental lab that will create the custom crown. When the crown is ready, the tooth will be covered.

Porcelain veneers

Of the most interesting features of veneers is that they look natural. They are custom-made from an ultra-thin ceramic material with the texture and color of the natural tooth. Since veneers are only used for cosmetic purposes, the patient’s teeth and gums must be in good condition to get the treatment. The dentist will determine a patient’s eligibility during a consultation.

Root canal

If the chip is caused by a weakened tooth from an infection and the tooth pulp is infected, the dentist will recommend a root canal. The process involves removing the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth and filling it up.

Final note

If you have a chipped tooth, contact the general dentist for treatment options. The dentist will examine the condition of the patient’s teeth and provide personalized cosmetic dentistry treatment to restore the patient’s smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.emergencydentistinorlando.com or call Maitland Square Dentistry at (407) 337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.

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