If you chip a tooth, you may assume the issue is barely noticeable and thus, not worth the effort to have repaired. However, even minor damage to your tooth could lead to the onset of decay or other oral health concerns. We always recommend having a chipped tooth fixed as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Tooth Repair
Question: How does a chipped tooth endanger oral health?
Answer: A chipped tooth means damage to the outer enamel, the layer that protects the teeth from harmful bacteria. As a result, bacteria can potentially reach the inner layers of dentin through the injured area, allowing a cavity and eventually, an infection, to develop. Patients may then experience toothaches and tooth sensitivity.
Question: Can you fix the issue in one visit?
Answer: Yes, we can! We usually use dental bonding to fix a broken tooth. We prepare the same composite resin material we use for metal-free fillings. We can shade the material to better match the tooth structure. After applying the composite resin in multiple layers, we cure it with a light and shape the tooth in the process. Finally, we polish the tooth to help ensure a more lifelike appearance. The entire procedure only takes one visit!
Question: What if the tooth is fractured?
Answer: If your tooth is fractured, or the breakage is severe, then dental bonding may not be enough. However, we can still repair the issue in one visit with a dental crown. E4D technology allows us to take digital impressions of your tooth and use the images gathered to design a restoration. A machine then mills the restoration from a block of ceramic. We can check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and place the completed restoration in a single visit. If you have any questions about either dental bonding or one-visit crowns, then contact our team today.
Have You Chipped a Tooth?
Dr. Lawson and our team can repair your tooth, often in a single visit! To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
