When a tooth becomes chipped, what’s next? Do you have to live with a structurally compromised tooth? With cosmetic and restorative treatments, we can actually repair a damaged tooth, often in a single day. How do you fix a chipped tooth? You repair a damaged tooth with unique and lifelike treatments, such as dental bonding and dental crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Chipped Teeth
Question: What causes a chipped tooth?
Answer: A variety of factors can lead to damaged teeth. First, a sports injury or an accident can chip the tooth. If the tooth experiences advanced decay, then the tooth may become weak and chip easily. If you grind your teeth regularly then you may chip or even wear down the teeth. The treatment we recommend will depend on the cause of your damage.
Question: What should I do if I chip a tooth?
Answer: If possible, try to retrieve the missing portion of the tooth. If this is impossible then don’t worry, repair is still possible. Next, contact our office right away. Before seeing us you can apply a piece of gauze to control any bleeding or apply a cold compress to the side of the face to ease swelling. We don’t recommend ignoring a chipped tooth as the damage may expose inner tooth structure, allowing bacteria to reach the dentin and pulp, leading to decay and possibly even an infection or abscess.
Question: Will dental bonding repair a tooth?
Answer: In many cases we can use dental bonding to repair the tooth in one sitting. After applying several layers of composite resin we cure the tooth with a light, sculpting and polishing the tooth. Once complete, the structure of the tooth will be restored.
Question: Will I need a dental crown?
Answer: For more severe damage we suggest a crown instead of bonding. The restoration completely covers the visible parts of the tooth, allowing you to eat and smile with confidence and ease.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX DENTIST
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, please contact us at (254) 776-4888. Our office welcomes patients living in Waco, Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and nearby cities.