Common Options to Fix a Chipped Tooth in Upland, CA

Posted On June 12, 2024June 15, 2024

A chipped tooth is usually a cause for concern, particularly if it occurs in one of your front teeth. Aside from the rough edges a chipped tooth creates, it is also a cosmetic issue. Thankfully, a family dentist in Upland, CA can easily fix a minor chipped tooth, and issues like a broken tooth can be fixed with different dental treatments. 

Causes of a Chipped Tooth

Your tooth enamel’s biting forces can become chipped if you bite down on hard objects, particularly if the tooth has already been compromised by decay. Hard candies are the reason a tooth can become chipped. More serious damage like a cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth can occur due to knocks, falls, or a blow to your face. Such situations are a dental emergency. Your dentist should examine and fix your chipped tooth right away to minimize the risk of infection. They can re-attach knocked-out teeth if you can see a dentist within thirty minutes. After the accident, rinse the knocked-out tooth with warm water without touching the roots. 

Common Options to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Dentists may recommend different options to address a chipped tooth, depending on the kind, seriousness, and location of the chip. Common options include the following:

• Cosmetic bonding. If only a small amount of your tooth enamel has been chipped off, cosmetic dental bonding is often the best solution. Such a procedure is particularly helpful if your chipped tooth is at the front of your mouth.
• Porcelain crowns. If your tooth has a big chip that cosmetic bonding cannot fix, a porcelain crown may be your best option to fix the issue. This tooth-shaped crown is fixed over your tooth, giving it structural support and protection against infection. Porcelain crowns are made to mimic the look and shade of your natural teeth. 
• Porcelain veneers. This dental fix is ideal for restoring a chipped visible tooth’s look. Veneers are thin shells made to cover the front part of a tooth and blend in with the rest of your teeth. Once placed, your veneers will hide the chip and let you use your tooth as normal. 
• Dental implants. In case of a serious tooth trauma that leads to a deep crack, nerve damage, a fractured tooth, or tooth loss, a root canal treatment or tooth removal can be necessary to prevent an infection. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth, serving as the root of your tooth. To complete the procedure, a crown can be placed on top of the implant.