Repair Your Smile with Treatment for Chipped Teeth
All of the teeth have root canals, which are filled with nerves and other delicate tissues. The root canals are surrounded by the dentin and enamel structures of the tooth. The enamel is the hard and durable outermost layer of the tooth that is meant to withstand daily wear and tear. However, tooth enamel is not indestructible; chips and fractures can affect the enamel, increasing the risk of root canal infection and other dental problems. Dr. Burton Gooch offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to rebuild the structure of a damaged tooth so that patients do not have to compromise the health or aesthetics of their smile due to a chipped tooth. Here, we discuss some of the most common treatments for chipped teeth that we perform on our Birmingham, AL patients.
Restorative Treatments for Chipped Teeth
Most patients are concerned about chipped teeth because of how they affect the appearance of the smile. However, dental chips can also expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to dental complications. Restorative dental treatments replace the damaged tooth structure to restore the strength of the tooth while providing protection for the tooth’s inner layer. Below are two common restorative dental treatments for chipped teeth.
- Dental fillings: If a small chip is present on a back tooth, a dental filling may be the best way to treat it. A tooth-colored filling can repair minor chips in order to prevent further dental problems from developing.
- Dental crown: A large chip that exposes the inner layer of the tooth is best treated with a dental crown. A dental crown sits over the natural tooth (once it has been reshaped to remove damage and decay) in order to surround the tooth with a strong and protective layer.
Cosmetic Treatments for Chipped Teeth
Chips in the teeth are often minor, so they do not always threaten the health and structure of the tooth. However, even the smallest chip can greatly impact the smile, especially if it is on one of the front teeth. Cosmetic dental treatments can conceal a chip in the tooth in order to improve the appearance of the smile. Below are two cosmetic dental treatments that can address chipped teeth:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding offers a non-invasive solution for chipped teeth. During this procedure, a tooth-colored composite (the same composite used for tooth-colored fillings) is shaped to the tooth in order to replace the chipped off tooth structure. Once hardened, the composite resin strengthens the tooth while also improving its aesthetics.
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin prosthetics that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to conceal cosmetic flaws. This treatment requires that a small layer of a patient’s natural enamel be removed, so it is an irreversible treatment.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Burton Gooch offers treatment for chipped teeth to restore the beauty of the smile while protecting the teeth from further dental complications. To learn more about our comprehensive range of dental treatments, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gooch at your earliest convenience.