Tooth chipping is an unpleasant, but unfortunately common dental problem. It can also lead to gum disease if not attended to immediately. A chipped tooth could cause damage to your cheeks and gums and contribute to oral plaque buildup. Left untreated, an untreated sharp or scratched tooth may accelerate gum disease and create additional sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. In order to restore a lost tooth, chipped teeth must be surgically repaired. Before opting for this procedure, you should find out all you can about it.
One of the main reasons for chipped tooth restoration is cosmetic. Having a chipped tooth allows others to see your beautiful smile again. Cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental bonding, are extremely popular and can greatly enhance your appearance. If you’ve been missing some teeth and would like to regain your former smile, consulting with a cosmetic dentist about a dental bonding treatment could be just the solution you’re looking for.
In the event that a chipped tooth restoration becomes necessary at any time, it’s important to know exactly what steps to take in order to minimize scarring and heal properly. First of all, there are many different techniques for restoring lost or chipped teeth. Your dentist will likely recommend one based on the condition of your mouth, the severity of the loss, and your individual preference. Some of these methods include:
The most commonly performed form of tooth restoration, dental bonding, consists of surgically inserting metal posts through the gums and jawbone and then filling them with customized silicone material to form bridges or crowns. Metal pieces are often custom-made for each patient in order to match the structure of their bone structure. This method allows for significant improvement in the chances of full recovery from tooth damage, especially if the cracks or breaks aren’t too large or extensive. Bonding works particularly well with small, open fractures, although this method isn’t ideal for large, deep cracks or breaks.
Dental bonding is often the best option when dealing with small, open fractures. However, it does require a great deal more work than other forms of tooth restoration. It’s also more expensive than most other procedures available, which is why many patients choose to opt for traditional surgical procedures instead. The reason why dental bonding is so costly is due to the amount of time it takes to perform the procedure and the specialized components used to complete the procedure. Bonding also requires that the patient continue to follow certain oral hygiene practices in order to prevent further damage or complications.
The final type of tooth restoration we’ll discuss here involves veneers. Although this process requires only one procedure, it’s quite dramatic. The patient is placed under a general anesthetic, while the dentist applies a thin layer of porcelain or composite material over the damaged tooth. Porcelain is much less porous than natural teeth, which means that it will fit much better and feel more natural than the original tooth. In addition to being much more durable than bonding, veneers are also far more likely to retain their color and shape than bonding could ever do.