Whether it’s the way it looks or the way it feels, a chipped tooth is usually something that you might not want to ignore. As strong as your teeth are, simple mistakes like slip and fall accidents or chewing on ice can cause you to chip a tooth’s edge, or worse. If it’s noticeable, then the damage can affect how your smile looks. However, even if it isn’t visible, the change to your tooth’s structure can affect how your teeth meet, and therefore affect how well your bite functions. When you need to repair a chipped tooth, we’ll begin by determining how severe it is, then discussing the various appropriate treatment options with you.
First Step: Examining the Tooth
The severity of a chipped tooth often depends on the reason behind it. For instance, biting down on something hard might not damage your tooth as much as falling and landing on the concrete, or receiving a blow to the face. If the chipped edge is minor, we may be able to fix it with a minor cosmetic solution. If the chip is more severe, then you might need a treatment that can not only improve the tooth’s appearance, but also restore its previous strength.
Cosmetic and Restorative Fixes
Fixing the cosmetic appearance of a chipped tooth is typically simple, and can often be achieved in a single visit with cosmetic dental bonding. A composite acrylic resin is applied to the tooth, then sculpted to its ideal contours, hardened, and polished for a realistic look. One or more porcelain veneers might be recommended if you prefer a more permanent and lifelike solution. If the tooth’s strength and stability is threatened by the damage, then a dental crown might be fashioned and placed completely over the tooth to protect it from your bite’s pressure.
ABOUT YOUR ROCHESTER MN DENTISTS:
Calcagno Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offer expert services including teeth whitening, Six Month Smiles, Clear Aligner Systems, root canals, and pediatric dentistry. To schedule a consultation, please call (507) 218-8936. Dr. Gilly Calcagno and Dr. Kara Heimer welcome and serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, Austin, and the surrounding communities.
