Despite being coated in enamel, literally the hardest substance in the human body, our teeth can still become chipped. Maybe you bit down on a hard piece of food or suffered a sports injury, either way, you now have a chipped tooth. While this may seem like a minor concern, often a damaged tooth could lead to serious problems.
The Dangers of a Damaged Tooth
Our teeth are composed of several layers. First, there is the outermost layer, or the enamel, which protects the tooth. Beneath that, the dentin, which is more sensitive and surrounds the inner pulp. When you chip or fracture a tooth, bacteria can move past the enamel to the dentin, where decay forms. Without treatment, the decay can eventually allow bacteria to reach the pulp, leading to infection and a greater risk of tooth loss. Putting off treatment for damaged teeth can sometimes mean a greater risk of serious complications.
Dental Bonding and Same Day Crowns
How do we fix a tooth? Well, for more minor damage we may suggest dental bonding. We clean the tooth and apply a composite resin. We can shape the tooth as the natural cures. We then polish the tooth for a more natural appearance, restoring minor chips and surface damage.
For major breakage or fractures, we can place a crown. Using the CAD/CAM technology, the CEREC system allows us to create a custom-made dental crown in a single visit from lifelike ceramic material. We can then place the finished restoration in the same visit.
Protect Your Smile
If you play sports, consider obtaining a mouthguard, which can help protect your teeth form injury. If you have any questions about repairing chipped teeth, then please contact our office today.