While our teeth are strong enough to chew through even the toughest of foods, it’s not uncommon for them to get chipped. Direct impact on the tooth can cause chips or breaks in the enamel that need to be resolved in order to maintain the tooth’s overall health.
If you have never had a chipped tooth before, you may wonder how these dental injuries are addressed. From fillings to implants, there are several different ways to restore chipped teeth. Read on to find out how to fix a chipped tooth.
Fillings
For minor chips, fillings are often the treatment of choice. Also known as bonding, a filling can resolve small areas of missing enamel from cracks, chips, or breaks.
Most fillings are made from tooth-colored composite resin so that they do not stand out from the surrounding natural enamel. When you get a composite filling, gel or liquid is applied to the slightly chipped tooth until it is adequately filled and resembles the prior structure of the tooth. A bonding solution seals the filling and helps keep it in place.
Fillings are a preferential treatment because they are quick, simple, and don’t require any anesthesia. Most people are able to return to their normal activities immediately after getting a filling.
Crowns
Another quick and easy way to resolve a cracked tooth is by placing a crown over it. Dental crowns are restorative pieces that fit over the entirety of the tooth to restore its full structure. Crowns can be used on a chipped front tooth or back tooth to create a more appealing smile.
Your surgeon starts the crown placement process by shaving a small amount of enamel from the natural tooth. This makes room for the crown to be placed properly. Bonding material is then applied to the enamel and the inside of the crown before the restorative piece is put over the existing tooth.
Extraction and Implants
For severe chips and breaks, dental implants are often the best option. A significant chip in the tooth can allow bacteria into the inner pulp, allowing infection, disease, and decay to set in. When this happens, the only real solution is to extract the tooth and replace it with an implant.
Having a dental implant placed is a multi-step process that can take more than one appointment to finish. The first step is extracting the broken or cracked tooth to create space for the restoration piece.
Once the damaged tooth is extracted, a screw will be installed through the gum tissue and into the surrounding jawbone. A custom dental implant is then attached to this screw to be held in place and complete your smile.
Treating Your Chipped Tooth at Pinnacle Dentistry
Have you been searching for chipped tooth repair in the Colorado Springs area? Fixing a damaged tooth doesn’t have to be complicated! At Pinnacle Dentistry, we offer a variety of simple solutions to chipped teeth. This includes one-time appointments like fillings and crowns or more complex treatments like dental implants. Contact us online or by phone to learn more about these treatment options.
