Teeth are incredibly strong. In fact, tooth enamel is the toughest material in the entire body. However, your teeth can still become damaged if you aren’t careful. If you have a chipped tooth, it can be tempting to skip a call and visit to the dental office. After all, it doesn’t hurt and will heal with time, right? Continue reading to learn what you should do if you have a chipped tooth.
Do Chipped Teeth Repair Themselves?
Chipped teeth, no matter how minor or severe, will not repair themselves on their own. At best, teeth can remineralize, but they don’t grow back like hair or fingernails. Only restorative and cosmetic dental treatments can restore teeth that have been broken or chipped.
Do You Need to See a Dentist for a Chipped Tooth?
Teeth that are chipped will only become damaged further if you don’t receive dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the break, there are many solutions that can help to restore the appearance and integrity of your teeth. It is especially important to head to your dentist right away if your chipped tooth is jagged or sharp so that you don’t injure your gums or oral tissue.
What Treatments Are Used for Chipped Teeth?
Dental Bonding
Your dentist can repair minor chips and cracks with dental bonding. This tooth-colored composite resin that they can sculpt and shape to match the size, shape, and color needed to blend with the rest of your tooth structure. This option is the most affordable. Depending on the location of the chip and how well you care for your smile, bonding can last for up to 10 years.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell made of wafer-thin, customize tooth-colored porcelain. It is made to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. A veneer can be placed in two visits to the dental office. The first important involves the preparation of your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth. Impressions are taken and sent to the dental lab. During your second visit, your temporary veneer is replaced with your permanent one. This should last up to 15 years or longer with proper care.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown can be used to build up and protect a damaged tooth. If you have a large chip or break in your tooth, this restoration may be the right option. After removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth, impressions are taken so a custom crown can be made for you at the dental lab. In just a couple of weeks, you will receive your customized restoration.
If you have a chipped tooth, you should see your dentist at your earliest convenience. This way, they can restore the appearance and integrity of your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Tadros earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery from the university of the pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Dallas, visit his website or call (469) 917-7444.