A chipped tooth is not usually considered a dental emergency and won’t require you to attend an emergency dentist. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to repair a tooth you have chipped. The treatment depends on various factors, including how bad the damage is, where the chip is, your personal preferences and the cost. But before discussing how to fix a chipped tooth, let’s discuss how you should handle the situation.
When to visit an emergency dentist?
Although a broken tooth is serious, a chipped tooth is unlikely to cause a serious issue in the short term that warrants a dental emergency. You should only need to see an emergency dentist if your tooth is damaged extensively and a large portion is missing, you are in intense pain or bleeding profusely. In most cases, you can schedule a regular dental appointment so the dentist can make an assessment and recommend the best treatment.
The treatment options below can’t always be performed immediately, even if you have a dental emergency. The role of an emergency dentist is to ease a patient’s pain and make them more comfortable. So, if, for example, you require a dental crown, you will have to schedule an appointment to go back for treatment.
How to fix a chipped tooth – the options
Dental Filling
A dental filling is an easy and cheap fix for chipped tooth enamel. A dental filling is generally used when damage can’t be seen (such as at the back of a front tooth) or on teeth hidden behind other teeth.
A filling is a restoration that can be used to fill in a chip. Various materials are used in fillings, including silver dental amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer. While amalgam remains popular because it is inexpensive and hard-wearing, some newer materials provide a more pleasing aesthetic result. If your chipped tooth is noticeable when you smile, you may prefer to consider one of the tooth-coloured materials rather than amalgam.
Bonding
Dental bonding might be suitable if you have cracked or chipped teeth. This relatively simple procedure does not require anaesthesia, and it is typically covered by most medical insurance plans. The process involves applying composite resin to the tooth to conceal the chip, after which the dentist shapes and hardens it with a curing light. Dental bonding is a reasonably inexpensive treatment for minor flaws that can provide a result that lasts 5 to 10 years.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are tooth-coloured composite dental restorations that your dentist can place to repair your tooth. Although cracked teeth can often be restored with fillings or dental bonding, an inlay or onlay may be more appropriate if the damage is more extensive.
Onlays are used for damage to the cusps (the pointed areas of the back teeth), whereas inlays fill in damaged areas between the cusps.
Dental Crown or Cap
A dental crown is a cap covering the whole of a tooth’s visible portion to restore it to its natural size and shape. Crowns can be made from several materials, including ceramics, gold, and porcelain fused to metal. When it comes to a chipped tooth, a dental crown can be used not only as a protective covering but also to seal your tooth so it can no longer erode. A dental crown can also hide a discoloured or misshapen tooth.
However, a dental crown isn’t just about how to fix a chipped tooth. It also provides excellent natural-looking results.
Dental Veneers
Dental VeneersDental veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. While they can’t repair cracks and other cosmetic imperfections, they can cover them to give you a bright and healthy-looking even smile.
Veneers are an effective, conservative option to correct a variety of aesthetic issues to improve the appearance of teeth that are slightly crooked and have cracks, chips or gaps between them. The procedure usually requires at least two appointments and is a good option for a smile makeover.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth – The Bottom Line
If you’ve chipped your tooth, don’t worry. It’s a common occurrence. It’s not a dental emergency unless you are in pain or your tooth is badly damaged. But, you should see a dentist as soon as possible for an assessment and treatment to fix the problem. Ignoring a cracked or broken tooth can lead to infection and further damage that could cause potential tooth loss.
Schedule an appointment today with Bright on Bay Dental by calling us on (02) 9538 7028.
References
Web MD: Teeth bonding
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-bonding#:~:text=Teeth%20bonding%20is%20a%20procedure,or%20improve%20a%20person’s%20smile.
Colgate: When a dental inlay is your best option
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/when-a-dental-inlay-is-your-best-option
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