Chipped teeth are common with sports injuries or minor accidents. Be careful as you grab a handful of that old Halloween candy. As long as the chip or break is minor, your tooth will maintain its normal function. However, a chipped tooth is more than just a nuisance. It can cause pain with chewing, dislodge your bite and dull the glow of your smile. A chipped tooth is more susceptible for further damage. It is best to get it looked at right away. Here are four of the main methods to rectify chipped teeth:
File It Down
A chip is considered minor if it does not inflict past the outer layer of the tooth: the enamel. The enamel can be filed down quickly and safely. You can get rid of those sharp edges without sedation and without a second dental visit. However, this option cannot restore the tooth to its original glory. If it happens to be one of your front teeth, you may want to consider another option.
Fill It Up
The same way a cavity is filled, a chip can be filled using composite resin. The resin will be shaped and smoothed to fill the missing pieces. This saves you time with a single dentist visit and gets your tooth looking like it originally did. Fillings are strong and very realistic, but they aren’t quite as strong as your teeth. The filling may need maintained over the years.
Cap It
Larger chips that can’t be filled need to be capped. The tooth is capped using inlays, on-lays or crowns to get it fully protected. This is a very good option for back teeth that handle the majority of chewing. If the chip disrupts and changes your bite a crown is a great long term solution. It will protect the chipped tooth from further damage and don’t worry it will look and feel natural.
Replace It
Cosmetics is a great option for the chipped teeth that draw attention. A significant chip at the center of your smile is devastating. Veneers are where it’s at. A mold will be made to attach to and cover the existing tooth. The process might take a little longer but you will restore your smile to reach and even exceed its original glory.
Chipped teeth are vulnerable teeth. Jump right on over to Eagle Rock Dental Care and we will get you taken care of. We know just how important your smile is and we are prepared to give you the best that dentistry has to offer. You can trust that you are in good hands at any one of our three South eastern Idaho locations. Contact us today, or simply request your appointment online.
