Cracked and chipped teeth can be unsightly and painful, but dental restoration can help. Even a painless chip or crack may become a bigger problem if left untreated. Severe pain, swollen and tender gums, and infection may result. In the worst cases, it will be necessary to extract the broken tooth. There are many ways to treat broken teeth and prevent chips and cracks from growing. This article will explore the most common dental restorations for damaged teeth.
It is possible to repair minor chips and cracks with a dental filling or dental bonding. A filling is a common restoration used for cavities, but it can also fill in cracked teeth if the damage is not too great. Possible filling materials include silver fillings (amalgam fillings), gold fillings, and ceramic fillings.
Composite bonding can replace minor damage on the front teeth. Tooth bonding is a composite resin that matches various teeth shades, making it indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth structure. Bonding often takes only one appointment to complete.
A dental crown may be the answer if the chip or crack is too large to be solved with a filling. Also known as a cap, a crown completely covers the damaged tooth. Consisting of porcelain, crowns easily blend in with the rest of the teeth. Crowns are common for treating badly chipped teeth and painfully cracked molars.
If the crack or chip is too severe for a filling but not severe enough for a crown, the dentist may recommend dental inlays or onlays. Inlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth with cracks between the cusps (the outer corners); onlays repair chips on the cusps. These restorative treatments typically consist of tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin. Gold inlays and onlays may also be available for some patients.
Cracks and chips that extend into the tooth's root and leave the pulp infected will require a root canal. Despite popular misconception, root canals are not painful when done properly. Local anesthesia ensures the patient only feels minor discomfort at most. After removing the dental pulp, the dental professional will place a crown over the area.
Dental veneers can repair cosmetic chips like those on the front teeth. The dentist will alter the natural tooth so that the veneer, a wafer-thin shell, can be placed on top. Veneers look like natural teeth and need to be cared for in the same manner. Traditional veneers can last up to 15 years; porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years with proper care.
Dental implants may be the best option when the tooth is chipped or cracked beyond repair. An implant is a metal post surgically inserted into the patient's jawbone. An abutment is then screwed into the post, and a dental crown is placed on top. Think of them like permanent dentures. Implants are popular dental restorations due to their long-lasting results and functionality (they feel like real teeth).
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dental Restoration in Tucson, AZ
Chipped or cracked teeth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. If the chip is painful, an emergency dental visit is recommended. Contact us to learn more about our restorative dental treatments.
Request an appointment or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at 520-365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Anyone who has a broken or missing tooth can benefit from dental restoration. Dental restoration fixes or replaces teeth to improve oral health or function. This is a broad dentistry category, from simple restorations such as fillings to more extensive restorations such as dental implants or dentures. Some restorations offer cosmetic benefits; however, their main…
Aftercare and long-term care are vital for maintaining the results if you have recently undergone a dental restoration procedure. Maintaining the results does not have to be difficult; however, you must remain dedicated to caring for your new smile. Following the simple tips below will extend the life of your new dental work.No matter the…
A strong and stable dental restoration can replace your missing tooth. Many people suffer from tooth loss. Using removable dentures is a way to fill the dental space. This can prevent many dental issues from developing. Here are the dental restoration options available for your missing tooth.The dentist will assess the patient’s mouth and see…
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. This is a condition that causes inflammation of the tissue around the patient’s teeth. It is caused by bacteria building up in the area. Keep reading to learn about some of the symptoms of gum disease.Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time.…
Replacing missing teeth with dentures restores much of their functionality. However, dental appliances are limited in what they can do compared to natural teeth. While you should be able to return to eating many of the foods that you enjoyed before you lost your teeth, some could cause problems for you. You should avoid eating…