You could get a chip in your tooth at any time. Sometimes you don’t realise it’s happening until you look in the mirror and realise one of your teeth is broken. Are you concerned about how to fix a break in one of your teeth?
Chipped teeth can become sensitive and cause a throbbing toothache. Therefore it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible, regardless of how small or large the chip is.
So how may a front tooth that has been chipped be repaired? The dentist will decide how to treat and fix it in the most effective method, but understanding the causes as well as a diagnosis will help you understand what steps to take if this has happened to you.
Why Does A Tooth Become Chipped?
Things break, just like in an accident. The same is true with your teeth. For instance, you might have broken a tooth by biting down on something hard or through a collision when playing a contact sport. Sometimes, accidents such as this are unavoidable.
What Are The Causes?
A broken or chipped front tooth might happen for many reasons. Here are a few reasons why this could happen:
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Biting down on hard objects or ice
- Chewing excessively
- Mouth contact during contact sports
- Having a bad bite (underbite or overbite)
How Can A Front Chipped Tooth Be Diagnosed?
When you glance in the mirror, it is easy to tell if your front tooth is chipped. It is simple to recognise a suspicious tooth when you run your finger or tongue over it.
Here’s how the dentist can repair a front tooth chipped.
Bonding
Using composite bonding to fix a tooth is affordable. Before using a specific solvent and putty to repair the chipped tooth, the dentist roughens the tooth. The remedy is polished and sculpted to fit your smile when it has dried.
Veneers
Dental Veneers are a popular choice for niggling imperfections such as chips and cracks. Veneers are bonded to the front of your tooth through a wafer-thin shell, covering the natural tooth, so the chip isn’t visible. Although, the natural tooth would still be in danger of cracking at some stage.
Dental Crown
To prevent the chip from getting worse, the tooth is covered by a dental crown. As a result, any oral pressure would shield the chipped tooth. Before sending the tooth to the lab for fitting, the dentist will take an impression of it. Once the crown is complete, it is bonded to your tooth structure.
Root Canal
The tooth will probably need to be extracted if a chipped tooth worsens over time and develops a fracture. However, if the tooth’s remaining structure is still strong enough, a root canal can be installed as a preventative treatment. The underlying nerve would need to be removed by the dentist, which could be painful. However, a root canal can lessen the chance of developing an abscess, problems with the bones, or an infection.
Should I Consult The Dentist?
The answer is yes. It is important that once you notice a chip or a break in your front tooth, then this needs a trip to the dentist. No matter if the chip is small, it shouldn’t be left to chance, as the tooth can get progressively worse if not treated. If the tooth worsens, you’ll likely need to fork out more money for expensive treatment such as replacing the tooth. Therefore, consult your dentist as soon as you can if you notice any signs that your teeth are about to break or chip or have done already.