A chipped tooth is not always a serious dental condition unless the damage reaches the pulp chamber. However, that does not mean it is okay to ignore a chipped tooth simply because it is not causing pain. The most likely part of a tooth to be affected by a chip is the outer layer known as enamel, but that is also the part that protects the rest of the tooth.
The loss of enamel leaves the more sensitive inner layers of a tooth without its natural protection from acids and bacteria. As a result, the tooth is more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. To make matters worse, the tooth might become infected if it is left untreated. Regardless of how minor the damage to a tooth is, it is best to have a dentist evaluate the injury and determine the best way to treat it.
The best way to prevent a chipped tooth from turning into a bigger oral problem is by getting it checked out by a dentist. Dentists have treatments at their disposal that can be used to fix any aesthetic issues caused by the damage and to prevent further damage from occurring.
Composite bonding: This is one of the more affordable treatments performed by dentists. It involves applying a moldable composite to the patient's teeth and rebuilding it. Composites are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. They can be color-matched with the patient's teeth to ensure that any repairs look natural in the mouth. The application of composite resin is a reversible treatment, so patients can still explore other options down the road. The application of composite resin on a damaged tooth typically takes less than an hour for each tooth being treated.
Crowns: These are one of the most commonly used restorations by dentists and are a great way to protect a chipped tooth. The crown covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums and protects it from bite forces, bacteria and acids. Crowns are designed to look like real teeth, making it virtually impossible to tell when a person has a crown on one of their teeth. Fitting a tooth with a crown requires the dentist to remove enamel from all four sides. This leads to a better fit with the crown. It is an irreversible process, so the tooth will always need a crown to protect it moving forward.
Veneers: These restorations are only used when the damage affects strictly the front part of the tooth. Veneers serve as masks that hide flaws, and they protect that area from acids and bacteria.
Drop by our Tracy clinic, or give us a call to learn more about how we can protect your chipped tooth from further damage.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carlosesanchezdds.com or call Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS at (209) 690-1118 for an appointment in our Tracy office.
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