Having a chipped tooth can be a source of embarrassment. But many treatments are available to help you restore your smile. Luckily, there are options available to treat a chipped tooth. Simple home remedies and professional dental procedures are just a few treatments available. So whether you’ve chipped a tooth while eating hard food or had a dental accident, there’s likely a treatment to help get your smile back to its best.
Keep a Lookout for Craze Lines
Chipped teeth can be treated in various ways, depending on the extent of the damage. One of the most important things to keep an eye out for is craze lines. These are small, thin lines on the surface of the tooth. Craze lines happen from a combination of wear and tear. If you recognize them, it may signify a more serious underlying problem.
Fortunately, they are easy to detect, and dentists treat them with fillings, veneers, or crowns. If caught early enough, you can save the tooth with proper intervention. More severe chips may require complex treatments, though. Examples of treatments may entail root canal therapy, bridges, or implants. Regardless of the severity, it’s crucial to address chipped teeth immediately. That way, you’ll avoid getting further damage.
1. Bonding or Filling
Bonding is one of the most common treatments for chipped teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite material to the affected area. This material is hardened and shaped to match the appearance of your natural teeth. If the chip is larger, it may require a filling. The filling involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and replacing it with a filling material.
Luckily, both bonding and filling are relatively simple treatments. If you move forward with either treatment, it’ll significantly improve your teeth’s appearance.
2. Tooth Reattachment
Tooth reattachment is a procedure used to repair chipped or broken teeth. It involves bonding the broken piece of the tooth back onto the tooth. The procedure may include bonding agents and fiberglass. Sometimes dentists use metal posts to secure the pieces in place. You may need a crown to protect the reattached tooth in severe cases. The dentist may also use a dental drill to reduce the size of the broken piece. That way, it can fit properly onto the tooth.
Sometimes, the dentist may need to use a root canal procedure. The procedure will remove any infected tissue before the reattachment process can begin. We will discuss this more next. With proper care, a tooth reattachment procedure can last for many years. It can also help restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
3. Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure is a standard treatment for chipped teeth. As mentioned, it involves a dentist removing the tooth’s damaged or infected inner layers. When the damaged area gets removed, it prevents further damage or infection. The tooth is then filled with a special filling material and sealed. The dentist may then place a crown on the tooth to provide additional protection. It also helps restore the tooth’s natural shape.
A dental implant may sometimes be necessary to replace the missing tooth. Root canal procedures are almost always successful. Thankfully, they can preserve the tooth for many years.
4. Crown
Chipped teeth treatments can include the use of a crown. A crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape and size. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, or a combination of both.
The dentist uses x-rays and a physical examination to determine what type of crown is best for you. Afterward, they’ll prepare the tooth and place the crown over it. Doing this restores the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Crowns can last many years, depending on your oral hygiene habits. So, if you move forward with getting a crown, be sure to care for your mouth’s health moving forward.
5. Veneer
Having a veneer is one of the most popular treatments for chipped teeth. Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of the tooth. It gives it a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This treatment is non-invasive and can last for many years. It covers up chips, cracks, discoloration, and other imperfections.
The process involves bonding a composite or porcelain material to the tooth. This material is highly durable. It also can color-match the existing teeth to provide a natural look.
Conclusion
Chipped teeth treatments can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Dentists can treat most minor chips with simple bonding or tooth reshaping. While more substantial chips may require a dental crown. In extreme cases, a dental implant may be necessary.
Patients should consult their dentist to determine the best treatment option. Ultimately, chipped teeth treatment depends on the damaged tooth’s severity. So, consulting with a qualified and experienced dentist is always recommended.
