Repair a Chipped Tooth with Our Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

There are several options available when it comes to treating a chipped tooth. The best treatment will depend on the location and severity of the affected tooth. A chipped tooth is generally not considered a dental emergency unless it is causing you severe pain or interfering with eating.

 

However, it is still important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Getting in to your dentist quick will help avoid any possible infection or further damage to the tooth.

 

Usually, minor fractures or chips are treated by grinding down and polishing the chipped tooth. But, in the event of a more severe chip, your dentist might recommend one of the following procedures.

 

• Reattachment – If you managed to keep the piece of your teeth that broke up, your dentist may be able to cement it back into place. Place the tooth fragment in some milk to keep it alive until you can make it to see your dentist.

 

• Porcelain veneers – Veneers are molded and shaped by your dentist to look just like your regular teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have a veneer created to match them exactly. Before permanently bonding the veneer in place, your dentist will likely smooth away some of the chipped tooth. Thanks to the durability of porcelain veneers, they can last for up to 30 years.

 

• Bonding – This is another method that is used to treat a chipped tooth where your dentist will use either a ceramic or composite material to reshape a chipped tooth. The material is first cemented to the tooth’s surface and shaped. It is then hardened by exposing it to ultraviolet light. Additional shaping may be required until it matches your existing teeth. This type of bonding can last up to 10 years.

 

• Dental onlay – Onlays, also known as partial crowns are often used to cover the chipped or cracked surface of molars. This type of procedure may require that your dentist work on some of your other teeth to make room for the onlay. This type of treatment will typically last for decades.

 

Call us today at (561) 391-0020 to schedule an appointment with your Boca Raton, dentist.