The enamel on teeth is too hard for tissue in our body. However, it can still chip and even break.
Broken teeth can result from falls, blows to the face, tearing open packaging with teeth, or biting down on hard foods.
For any chipped or broken tooth, seeking professional advice from a family dentist is not just important, it’s crucial. Their expertise will lead to an accurate diagnosis and the most suitable treatment plan, giving you the confidence that you’re making the right decision for your oral health.
Indeed, your family dentist will determine the most effective method to treat your broken tooth and repair chipped teeth. This assurance should give you hope and optimism about the potential solutions for your chipped teeth.
Here, we will explore various methods to fix a broken tooth.
Common Reasons for Chipped Teeth
There are several common causes of chipped teeth in patients:
- Accidents from falls
- Sports or physical activity
- Chewing hard things, such as ice or candies
- Mouth piercings
Regular check-ups with a family dental care professional are a cornerstone in preventing chipped teeth. These visits not only enable early detection and diagnosis of potential issues but also empower you to take timely intervention, safeguarding your dental health in the long run.
Types of Chipped Teeth
- Crazy lines
Tiny vertical cracks on the enamel are common with aging, rarely causing severe tooth damage.
- Fractured cusp
Minor cracks in cavities or fillings are usually not painful.
- Cracked tooth (gumline)
It extends to the gumline and requires extraction. Non-removal procedures like dental crowns and bonds can repair subgingival cracked teeth.
- Split tooth
It is due to poor hygiene and lack of long-term dental care, often requiring extraction.
- Vertical root fracture
It is due to frequent and repetitive forces, most common in adults over 50.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a highly recommended repair option for minor and accessible tooth chips. In this procedure, your dentist will meticulously cover the tooth with a composite resin material, shaping it to match the natural tooth. The resin is then hardened using an LED light, resulting in a robust, chip-free tooth. The simplicity, affordability, natural appearance, and long-lasting effectiveness with proper oral care make bonding a popular choice for many.
- Simple cosmetic procedure
- Affordable
- Looks natural
After the cosmetic dentist applies and shapes the resin, an LED light instantly hardens it, resulting in a strong, chip-free tooth.
Porcelain Veneer
If the chip is visible and entirely on the front of your tooth, consider getting a porcelain veneer. A veneer is a skinny layer custom-made to match the rest of your teeth and covers the front of your tooth.
However, the dentist will remove the outermost enamel layer from your chipped tooth and take an impression before creating this thin shell.
This process subsequently enables them to make a veneer that fits the tooth. After the veneer is bonded to the tooth, you will have a long-lasting, beautifully restored tooth.
Dental Crowns
Suppose a massive portion of your tooth was chipped off. In this situation, a dental crown is a better solution than dental bonding.
However, the crown can firmly hold the remaining portion of your broken tooth together. A tooth’s remaining portion is covered with a crown to create a new one.
Ultimately, your chipped tooth is first modified to allow the crown to be firmly placed on top. The crown is made to match the other teeth in your mouth precisely. Similarly, the crown will have the same appearance and functionality as your natural tooth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the last option for repairing a chipped tooth. It is only suitable for severe cracks.
However, it involves removing the tooth, healing it, and inserting a permanent metal post into the gumline.
Although it is a significant investment, the results of a dental implant should last a lifetime. This long-term benefit should make you feel secure about your decision.
Hence, oral care is essential for maintaining the tooth’s health and avoiding inside fastballs.
