In a previous article, we touched on an important point: even a small tooth chip deserves attention. That’s because a chipped tooth is about more than just looks. A tooth chip can change your bite, cause tooth sensitivity, or irritate surrounding soft tissues. Some chips stay minor, but lead they way to further tooth damage. Because of this, it is important to get any tooth chip evaluated by our dentist in Yuba City.
The type and severity of a tooth chip determine the recommended treatment plan. Our dentist evaluates the size of the chip, the tooth location, your bite, and whether pain or sensitivity has already started. A small chip on a front tooth calls for a different approach than a larger break on a back tooth. The following are common treatments for a chipped tooth.
Fillings for Small Repairs
If the chipped area is small and there is enough tooth left in place, a filling is usually an effective solution. Fillings are recommended when decay has already started or is at risk of starting in the chipped area, or when it’s determined that the tooth needs additional structural support. This is similar to the situation when you have a cavity.
Filling treatments are quick and simple. The dentist cleans up the broken portion of the tooth, fills it with a tooth-colored material, molds and smooths it to match the original tooth shape, and then polishes it. The result is a tooth that blends in well with the rest of your teeth.
Bonding for Shape and Appearance
Bonding is one of the most commonly used repairs for chipped teeth, especially front ones. Bonding is essentially a cosmetic treatment, but it does help prevent potential future problems caused by rough tooth surfaces. Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin, much like filling material, that the dentist molds by hand.
One advantage of bonding is its conservative nature. The dentist does not need to remove much of your natural tooth. The composite resin fills in the gap caused by a rough edge, restores the original shape of your tooth, and helps improve the appearance of your smile in a single appointment.
Tooth Contouring for Small Chips
There are times when the necessary fix needed for a chipped tooth is minimal. If the chip simply creates a slightly rough or irregular edge on the tooth, sometimes the only thing needed is to smooth out and reshape the enamel. Tooth contouring is recommended only when there is no other damage beyond the superficial level of the enamel. Typically, the purpose is to provide both comfort and aesthetic improvements. With just one small adjustment, your tooth once again looks natural and prevents your tongue or cheek from rubbing against the rough edge of a chipped tooth.
Veneers or Crowns for Larger Damage
Some tooth chips call for more coverage. A dental veneer may suit a front tooth when the chip affects the visible surface but the tooth still has enough strength. A dental crown may suit a larger break, especially on a tooth that takes heavier biting force, like a molar. Both veneer and crown options provide protection, as well as aesthetic improvements for your chipped tooth.
Which Option Makes Sense?
The variety of available treatments gives patients good options when they have a chipped tooth. The best treatment your dentist in Yuba City recommends will depend on comfort, function, appearance, and the amount of remaining tooth structure. If you have a chipped tooth, the Yuba City Dentistry Group offers full-service dental care with a strong focus on emergency dentistry, including same-day care whenever possible for bothersome chips and fractures. Find out more by contacting our Yuba City dental team today!
