When a tooth becomes damaged, you should see the dentist as soon as possible. Often, damage can mean a greater risk of decay or even infection. Fortunately, if you have a chipped tooth we can help repair it using cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
The Possible Health Risks of Damaged Teeth
Our teeth are protected from decay and damage by an outer layer of enamel. Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, the enamel can still become damaged due to injury or weakened enough due to poor oral hygiene to allow decay to form. When this happens, bacteria can move into the inner layers of dentin, which are more sensitive, and allow a cavity to form. Even if your chip seems minor, we still suggest seeing the dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Bonding and Dental Crowns
How do we fix a damaged tooth? For minor damage, we can often repair the tooth in one visit with dental bonding. We apply a composite resin to the tooth in several layers. As the composite resin cures under a light, we can sculpt and mold the tooth. We then polish the tooth for a more natural appearance. We can also color-match the material to ensure the repaired tooth blends seamlessly with your smile.
Should the damage be more severe, you may need a more substantial restoration. A dental crown fits over the entire tooth. We can use lifelike materials to create the restoration, such as ceramic or even zironcia. We remove a small amount of structure to prepare the tooth, and then we take detailed impressions. In the interim period between visits, a dental lab will design and fabricate the restoration. When you return, we can check the fit and then place the completed dental crown. If you have any questions about repairing chipped teeth, then please contact our team today!
DO YOU HAVE A DAMAGED TOOTH?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can treat and repair chipped, broken, or fractured teeth with lifelike dental restorations. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
