Chipped teeth can be caused by sports or accidents, but regardless of how they happen, they can dramatically affect your smile. Actually, the most common teeth injury is chipping them. Often, chipped teeth don’t cause pain. However, they should not be ignored. Any type of tooth trauma needs immediate attention. When you chip a tooth, there could actually be damage below the surface of the tooth that you don’t know about. A visit to the dentist can rule out cracks or internal tooth problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. More often than not, a chipped tooth can be repaired in just one visit to the dentist.
There are various options for repairing chipped teeth. Your treatment of choice depends on the amount of damage.
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.
Extracting the tooth -- 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.
To discuss your options for a chipped tooth, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.
