Prevent Further Damage of a Chipped Tooth

Posted on: January 6, 2021

Chipped Tooth Claremont, CA

A chipped tooth is not always a serious dental condition unless the damage reaches the pulp chamber. However, that does not mean it is okay to ignore a chipped tooth simply because it is not causing pain. The most likely part of a tooth to be affected by a chip is the outer layer known as enamel, but that is also the part that protects the rest of the tooth.  

The loss of enamel leaves the more sensitive inner layers of a tooth without its natural protection from acids and bacteria. As a result, the tooth is more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. To make matters worse, the tooth might become infected if it is left untreated. Regardless of how minor the damage to a tooth is, it is best to have a dentist evaluate the injury and determine the best way to treat it.

Protecting a chipped tooth from further damage

The best way to prevent a chipped tooth from turning into a bigger oral problem is by getting it checked out by a dentist. Dentists have treatments at their disposal that can be used to fix any aesthetic issues caused by the damage and to prevent further damage from occurring.

Standard treatments used to treat chipped teeth

Composite bonding: This is one of the more affordable treatments performed by dentists. It involves applying a moldable composite to the patient's teeth and rebuilding it. Composites are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. They can be color-matched with the patient's teeth to ensure that any repairs look natural in the mouth. The application of composite resin is a reversible treatment, so patients can still explore other options down the road. The application of composite resin on a damaged tooth typically takes less than an hour for each tooth being treated.

Crowns: These are one of the most commonly used restorations by dentists and are a great way to protect a chipped tooth. The crown covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums and protects it from bite forces, bacteria and acids. Crowns are designed to look like real teeth, making it virtually impossible to tell when a person has a crown on one of their teeth. Fitting a tooth with a crown requires the dentist to remove enamel from all four sides. This leads to a better fit with the crown. It is an irreversible process, so the tooth will always need a crown to protect it moving forward.

Veneers: These restorations are only used when the damage affects strictly the front part of the tooth. Veneers serve as masks that hide flaws, and they protect that area from acids and bacteria.

Protect your chipped tooth

Drop by our Claremont clinic, or give us a call to learn more about how we can protect your chipped tooth from further damage.

Request an appointment here: https://claremontdds.com or call Claremont Design Dentistry at (909) 554-2188 for an appointment in our Claremont office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.


Related Posts

February 1, 2024

How a Smile Makeover Can Boost Your Confidence

Thinking about getting a smile makeover? There have been many recent advancements in the dental arena that make it easier than ever for you to improve your smile. Now all you …

January 1, 2024

Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Clear braces and traditional braces are the options patients get to explore when they are dealing with teeth alignment issues. Metal braces are the oldest option available and they have been …

December 1, 2023

How a Laser Dentist Treats Cavities

When people experience cavities, the resulting pain can interfere with eating and flare up when the cavity comes in contact with hot or cold foods. A laser dentist can assist with …

November 1, 2023

How to Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the options you get to choose from if you are missing one or more teeth. A growing number of people are opting …