A chipped tooth is not a good sight to see. Receiving a blow to the face, falling, or biting on something too hard are just but a few scenarios that can cause a tooth to chip. If the tooth already has signs of decay, this increases the risk of chipping. That’s why it’s recommended that you visit your dentist regularly to check your oral health. Fortunately, fixing a chipped tooth is a procedure that can easily be done by any dentist. He or she will examine your situation and determine which method of fixing they will apply. Below are some options they can choose from:

Veneers

A veneer is a custom-made shell that is placed on the front of the tooth to give it a new and improved look. It is mostly used to hide smaller areas of missing teeth. In some cases, it might the dentist might have to remove a part of the existing tooth surface to ensure the veneer blends seamlessly with the surrounding surfaces of adjoining teeth.

Bonding

This is the cheapest and quickest way to repair a chipped tooth. The process involves applying a composite filling material that your dentist will have already shaped and colored to match the original tooth. Bonding is also less invasive as little to no removal of extra tooth surface is required.

It is advised that if you have a chipped tooth and it did not have further damage or decay, you can preserve it and give your dentist who will examine it and reattach it via bonding.

Crowns

If a significantly large portion of the tooth is missing, getting a crown would be the best option to restore your chipped tooth. This is because crowns are made in the same shape and size as the original. Additionally, a crown fully covers the visible part of the remaining tooth above the gum line. This means one cannot easily detect any previous chipping.

Crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal crowns or using ceramic materials. In both scenarios, the material is colored to blend in with other teeth. Some portions of existing tooth surface might be removed to make room for the crown so that it fits perfectly.

Prevention is Better than Cure

A chipped tooth can easily be prevented by doing the following:

• Always wear a dental bite guard when you are playing sports
• Don’t bite on hard candies or ice chips
• Don’t clench or grind your teeth
• Don’t open things using your teeth, e.g., soda bottles

The state of your teeth can greatly influence your self-confidence and how you move about in your day-to-day life. As a result, you should strive to keep your dental hygiene in check by visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups. In the unfortunate event that your tooth chips, schedule a consultation with a certified dentist from Real Smile today. Contact us if you have concerns or want to set up a dental visit.