Cracked and chipped teeth can be unsightly and painful, but dental restoration can help. Even a painless chip or crack may become a bigger problem if left untreated. Severe pain, swollen and tender gums, and infection may result. In the worst cases, it will be necessary to extract the broken tooth. There are many ways to treat broken teeth and prevent chips and cracks from growing. This article will explore the most common dental restorations for damaged teeth.
It is possible to repair minor chips and cracks with a dental filling or dental bonding. A filling is a common restoration used for cavities, but it can also fill in cracked teeth if the damage is not too great. Possible filling materials include silver fillings (amalgam fillings), gold fillings, and ceramic fillings.
Composite bonding can replace minor damage on the front teeth. Tooth bonding is a composite resin that matches various teeth shades, making it indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth structure. Bonding often takes only one appointment to complete.
A dental crown may be the answer if the chip or crack is too large to be solved with a filling. Also known as a cap, a crown completely covers the damaged tooth. Consisting of porcelain, crowns easily blend in with the rest of the teeth. Crowns are common for treating badly chipped teeth and painfully cracked molars.
If the crack or chip is too severe for a filling but not severe enough for a crown, the dentist may recommend dental inlays or onlays. Inlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth with cracks between the cusps (the outer corners); onlays repair chips on the cusps. These restorative treatments typically consist of tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin. Gold inlays and onlays may also be available for some patients.
Cracks and chips that extend into the tooth's root and leave the pulp infected will require a root canal. Despite popular misconception, root canals are not painful when done properly. Local anesthesia ensures the patient only feels minor discomfort at most. After removing the dental pulp, the dental professional will place a crown over the area.
Dental veneers can repair cosmetic chips like those on the front teeth. The dentist will alter the natural tooth so that the veneer, a wafer-thin shell, can be placed on top. Veneers look like natural teeth and need to be cared for in the same manner. Traditional veneers can last up to 15 years; porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years with proper care.
Dental implants may be the best option when the tooth is chipped or cracked beyond repair. An implant is a metal post surgically inserted into the patient's jawbone. An abutment is then screwed into the post, and a dental crown is placed on top. Think of them like permanent dentures. Implants are popular dental restorations due to their long-lasting results and functionality (they feel like real teeth).
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restoration in Stoughton, MA
Chipped or cracked teeth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. If the chip is painful, an emergency dental visit is recommended. Contact us to learn more about our restorative dental treatments.
Request an appointment or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at 781-443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
Nothing looks and feels quite like natural teeth. Therefore, if your tooth becomes decayed or damaged, a dentist will try to repair or save the tooth with a dental restoration. Most people who have been to the dentist have had some type of restoration. They range from simple filings for cavities to crowns for more…
Choosing an extraction over a dental restoration can be easy for some people, especially if the pain is intense. For others, sacrificing a natural tooth would be devastating. Consulting a dentist about the final decision is important. Here are the details on whether the better option is dental restoration or extraction.The dentist can assess the…
A dental restoration can repair your teeth and improve your smile. Following the recommended aftercare instructions is important to ensure the results last as long as possible. Whether you are getting a filling, a root canal, or a tooth pulled, slacking on aftercare can lead to pain and discomfort. Save yourself some trouble and avoid…
Nothing looks and feels quite like natural teeth. Therefore, if your tooth becomes decayed or damaged, a dentist will try to repair or save the tooth with a dental restoration. Most people who have been to the dentist have had some type of restoration. They range from simple filings for cavities to crowns for more…
A first impression often starts with a smile, and many people who are not satisfied with the appearance of their smile could benefit from a smile makeover. A series of dental treatments can improve both the look and health of the teeth, in addition to providing a confidence boost. In fact, it is important to…