If you
have a chipped tooth, you're not alone! In fact, chipped teeth are the
most common dental injury today. But don’t let that little-known fact
fool you into ignoring a chipped tooth; any type of dental trauma
deserves immediate attention. A small chip may not cause you pain, but
there could be damage underneath the surface of the tooth. Our dentist
can rule out cracks or internal tooth problems that aren’t visible to
the naked eye. And in many cases, your chipped tooth can be repaired in
just one visit.
Options, Options
Chipped tooth treatments vary according to the amount of
damage. Depending on your situation, any one of these chipped tooth
treatments may be an option for you:
Dental Bonding -- Most chips can be corrected with
dental bonding. Dental bonding is an efficient, durable and
cost-effective way to correct minor chips.
Enamel Shaping -- Often used in conjunction with
dental bonding, enamel shaping can also correct small chips or surface
flaws. During enamel shaping, a small portion of the tooth's surface is
removed or recontoured to smooth out imperfections.
Dental Veneers – If the chip is significant and
dental bonding or enamel shaping can't be used, you may need a veneer.
These thin, porcelain wafers completely cover the surface of the tooth
and are often used for front teeth.
Root Canal – Pain in the location of the chip can be
a sign that the nerve is exposed. If that's the case, a root canal may
be necessary to save the tooth.
Dental Crown -- A dental crown is used to completely cover larger teeth or to cap a tooth after a root canal.
Tooth Extraction -- If the tooth can't be saved, a
tooth extraction may be necessary. The good news is a dental bridge or
dental implants can replace missing teeth.
