While tooth decay is probably the most common problem that we see at Blake Dental, a chipped tooth is not too far behind. The corners of our front teeth especially are quite vulnerable, and chipping a tooth in this area can occur through an accident or perhaps through biting something harder than we expected. It also often happens when people use their front teeth to open things like crisp packets, or when biting their nails. Please avoid this and use the proper tools to do this instead.
While chipping a tooth is usually not overly serious, it is important that you don’t simply leave it as it is as this may lead to further problems in the future as we will see shortly. Our Witham based dentists now have a wide range of treatments available that can restore a tooth damaged in this way and we will take a look at some of these now.
This treatment is usually only used for very superficial damage, where the situation is unlikely to worsen and the structure will remain intact. A tiny missing fragment of tooth can cause a sharp edge that can cut into the lips, cheeks and other soft tissues of the oral cavity. A small amount of smoothing of the area of the chip can prevent this and provide you with a greater degree of comfort and a reduced risk of infections from cuts or grazes caused by it. Alternatively, we may discuss the use of bonding to smooth it, as below.
Small chips especially, can often be restored using cosmetic bonding. This is a straightforward treatment that involves using a tooth coloured bonding material that is added to the damaged tooth and is then shaped to restore its natural appearance. The bonding material is then hardened using a special light and provides an aesthetic and secure solution to restoring a chipped tooth. There is no invasive treatment needed for this and this may be one reason for its popularity. While effective, bonding can weaken and stain over time so other options might be considered instead, especially if the patient is looking for a more permanent solution.
Depending on the type of damage, a filling may be used to restore the tooth. This is especially useful where the enamel has been damaged in such a way as to expose the dentin layer beneath the enamel, making tooth decay more likely if left untreated. For aesthetic purposes, a white teeth filling material is likely to be used to restore the tooth, rather than the more visible amalgam filling material.
A more secure option to restore a damaged tooth is to fit a porcelain dental veneer. These are very secure once placed and can last for ten years or more before they need to be replaced. In addition to being used as part of a cosmetic dental procedure, they are a great option for restoring any chips or cracks in the tooth. They do require some invasive dentistry to prepare the tooth ready for the veneer to be fitted, but probably offer one of the most effective and natural looking ways of restoring a tooth damaged in this way.
Finally, where there is significant damage to a tooth, it might be decided that a crown provides the best option available. This will involve shaping the tooth so that the crown can be fitted. Impressions will then be taken so that the crown can be produced. Once ready, it will be attached using a special dental adhesive and will provide you with a strong and sustainable solution.
It isn’t unusual for someone to walk into our Witham dentist practice for a check up and for us to notice that a tooth is chipped. This has often been done for some time, but leaving it this long is not a good idea.
Failing to act promptly if you notice even small damage such as a chipped tooth can lead to further deterioration of that tooth. Bacteria might enter the inner part of the tooth causing further damage and, potentially, toothache as well. Even if this doesn’t happen, even a small amount of damage can cause the tooth to weaken, making it more vulnerable to further breakage over time. By acting quickly, we can not only prevent any inconvenience caused by your chipped tooth but prevent any damage that has occurred from becoming worse.
If you have chipped a tooth or suffered any minor (or major) dental issue, please don’t wait and give us a call today. You can contact Blake Dental on 01376 501688.
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
