General dentistry is a versatile form of dental care. Most people know general dentists as their primary oral health providers. Dentists within the profession focus on diagnostic, restorative, preventative, and cosmetic procedures. After suffering a chip to a tooth, patients can visit their general dentist for options to repair their smile.
Standard options for chipped teeth in general dentistry
Enamel is a robust and mineralized tissue, but all tissue has limits. Biting down on something hard, falling, or receiving a blow to the face can result in tooth chipping. Professionals have a wide array of procedures in their arsenal to restore a tooth's function and appearance.
Crowns
Large chips may require crowns or caps to cover the original tooth structure. In the process, dentists file down part of the tooth to cover it with a cap or crown. Crown materials include:
- Resin
- Ceramic
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Metal
A patient's choice depends on preference. For example, metal crowns are more robust, but resin crowns may look identical to an individual's other teeth.
Composite bonding
For minor chips in the enamel, general dentistry professionals may restore the tooth with a filling. When patients have visible chips, dentists use tooth-colored composite resin. They apply a gel or liquid to create a rough surface for the bonding material. Then, professionals apply the adhesive and resin. Dentists shape the material to look the same as the patient's natural teeth. To harden the filling, professionals use ultraviolet light.
Veneers
Veneers restore the appearance of a tooth with chips in the front. They are thin shells made from resin composite material or porcelain. The material covers the entirety of the front of the tooth. For additional strength, most dentists use a thicker section of veneer to protect the chip.
To install veneers, dentists remove about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters of enamel. Following, they take an impression of the tooth to create the veneer. When placing the device, professionals roughen the tooth's surface and use cement to place the veneer.
Root canals
Sometimes, a chipped tooth may lead to further trauma of the tooth's pulp. If the break in the tooth exposes the pulp, patients may require a root canal. The dentist removes tooth decay and the tooth's nerve during a root canal. Following the procedure, dentists may use crowns or fillings to restore the appearance and strength of a patient's natural teeth.
Implants
Implants are the most involved option for fixing chipped teeth. Chipped teeth can develop into fractures. An extraction may be the patient's only option when fractures extend to the gum line. After the extraction, professionals install a metal post and implant. Implants perform the same as an individual's natural teeth.
Conclusion
In general dentistry, professionals have various ways to repair a chipped tooth. Patients have different options available based on the severity of the chip and personal preference for restorative treatment. They may choose between crowns, composite bonding, veneers, implants, and root canals.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
Dental patients can visit a general dentistry office for various preventative procedures that promote long-term oral health. For example, dental sealants can protect teeth susceptible to decay, and a dentist may recommend this treatment option for multiple reasons.Sealants are wafer-thin coatings of resin or plastic a dentist places over the chewing surfaces of back teeth…
Your teeth are made of enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, but they can still break. If you suffer a broken tooth, do not panic. General dentistry has a variety of options available to fix it.You should visit your general dentistry office as soon as possible following a chipped, fractured, or broken tooth in…
A root canal is a common dental procedure that can often be done in a general dentistry office. While it can seem intimidating, a root canal is often not overly painful or uncomfortable. Learning more about getting a root canal from a general dentist can help ease your mind about getting the treatment you need.A…