How to Repair a Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Columbia cosmetic dentistry is a beacon of hope for those with dental emergencies such as a chipped or broken tooth. Often, people who have chipped or cracked teeth are self-conscious and may even avoid smiling or place one hand in front of their mouths when they do. We believe life is too short not to smile as much as you can. Whether you chip a tooth while eating or have a damaged tooth from an accident, there is a solution—consult with a dentist about the best ways to fix a chipped tooth.

You need a consultation with a capable and experienced dentist who has a well-established practice. Such a professional can provide treatment options cosmetic dental services for chipped or broken teeth. Take, for example, chipped tooth repair near Columbia. Beyond just a small chip, even if you have a chipped front tooth, a skilled dentist can recommend a number of treatments, such as dental veneers, dental bonding, or even a procedure called bonding.

A veneer, often used for a chipped front tooth, hides imperfections with an ultrathin porcelain shell. This porcelain cover is placed on the top surface of the remaining tooth to camouflage that imperfection. The process takes three visits. Initially, the dentist examines your mouth to ensure a veneer is the best solution for your chipped teeth. During the second visit, the dentist might use local anesthesia before removing enamel and then makes an impression to send to a lab. At the third visit, a temporary crown may be placed before the final veneer, also known as a dental crown, is attached. The dental cap adheres perfectly to ensure the veneer provides a flawless smile.

Lumineers, an alternative for those with tooth chips, are a brand of veneers that are thinner than regular veneers, as well as translucent. These are so thin that no enamel needs to be removed. Instead, the dentist does a little bit of etching to rough up the tooth’s surface to make it easier for the Lumineer to adhere.

Another dental procedure to treat and broken tooth or chipped tooth repair near Columbia is bonding. In this treatment, the bonding material is applied to the surface of your tooth to fill in the flaw, whether chip or crack. What happens during this treatment is the dentist roughs up the surface of your tooth, puts on a conditioning liquid, and applies the resin. Then, the material is shaped to cover the imperfection with a special light to harden the bonding material. Your tooth is trimmed, shaped, and polished for a flawless appearance.

For those with more severe damage, root canal therapy might be a consideration, ensuring the health of the tooth before cosmetic procedures like a dental crown are applied.

Take the time to check out the credentials of a dentist you choose for veneers or bonding. Look for a dentist who takes continuing education, belongs to professional associations, someone well-versed in dental emergencies, and has positive patient reviews. Dr. Daniel Stewart of Smile Savers Family Dentistry in Columbia, Maryland, meets all these criteria, so call him for a consultation about cosmetic dental services .