Did you know that the tooth is made of the strongest substance in the body? The enamel coating your tooth protects the tooth from harmful bacteria in the mouth to prevent caries. It also provides strength so you can do daily functions such as biting, chewing, and eating.
However, despite the notable strength of enamel, it can still chip or crack. Usually, this happens if you bite on something hard or chewy and the tooth flexes too much, causing it to break. Other possible reasons for a chipped tooth include teeth grinding, nail-biting, and dental trauma.
Fortunately, a chipped tooth is easy and quick to fix. And at Cosmedica Dental, we offer a broad range of dental treatments to do just that. Read along to learn more about them and how we can help you restore your smile.
Treatments to Fix Chipped Tooth
There are many ways in which a tooth can be damaged after excessive force is applied to it. The most minor and harmless is a chipped tooth. This involves only a small portion of the tooth, so there shouldn’t be any pain at all.
Most treatments for chipped tooth repair are for cosmetic concerns. Depending on the size of the chip on the damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend the following:
Shaping
In a process called enameloplasty, a dental bur is used to reshape minimal rough edges on the chipped tooth. This will help remove uneven surfaces that may cut your tongue. Afterwards, the tooth is polished to achieve a natural shine. This fix only works if the chip is very small that any shaping will still result in a natural and symmetrical smile.
Cosmetic Bonding
For small or moderate-sized chips, tooth-coloured composite resin may be used to restore the smile. This is the same material used for dental fillings. However, careful cosmetic considerations and techniques must be applied to achieve a natural result.
After a meticulous shade match, your dentist will layer and mould the resin on the front of the tooth where the damage is. Then, it is hardened in place and polished well for a seamless fix to the chipped tooth.
Veneers
Aside from bonding, veneers are also an excellent cosmetic procedure for a chipped tooth. Veneers are thin shells of material glued on the tooth surface to cover up broken teeth.
At Cosmedica Dental, we offer stain-resistant, natural-looking, and long-lasting porcelain veneers as one of the top choices to fix a chipped tooth. Good porcelain veneers and excellent hygiene can look good for over a decade, making it a good investment. But if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, composite veneers are a good alternative. With good care, this solution can last up to 7 years.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
If the damage has extended to the deeper part of the tooth, other options must be considered for a healthy repair. A large crack or chip may already involve the tooth pulp with the blood vessels and nerves inside. For this, your dentist will need to do root canals where needed.
Root canal treatment effectively removes bacteria to bring the tooth back to good health. Afterwards, a crown is placed as the final restoration to restore the tooth’s structural and aesthetic properties.
In a worst-case scenario, if the damage is way beyond repair, your dentist may be unable to save the tooth. In this case, extraction is a better solution. Then, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement treatments such as dental implants or dentures.
Emergency Dental Care for Chipped Tooth
If you have a chipped tooth but cannot visit the dentist soon, here are some tips for you to prevent further damage:
- Avoid biting anything hard or chewy
- Continue with gentle toothbrushing
- Use dental wax to cover any rough edges
- Take extra caution when biting
Cosmetic Dentistry at Cosmedica Dental
Aside from a chipped or cracked tooth, Cosmedica Dental also offers treatments for other cosmetic concerns such as a missing front tooth, tooth discolourations, uneven teeth, crooked or misaligned teeth, and improper bite.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our top cosmetic dentists, and let us get you on the way to a better and more confident smile.
FAQs – Fix Chipped Tooth
The cost depends on the treatment to be done. Simple tooth shaping is the cheapest, and porcelain veneers are the most expensive. It is best you visit your dentist so they can discuss the best option for you and give you a better idea of the cost.
If it is a very minimal chip on the tooth, yes, definitely! It should be harmless and painless, so most people do not get it fixed.
If you are careful, the tooth should survive without further harm. However, because the tooth is already compromised, the chip may worsen if carelessly used to bite or chew.
Yes. Because you use your teeth daily, it is normal to experience wear and tear. And as you age, the enamel may naturally thin out, making it more susceptible to chips and cracks.