The human body is an amazing creation. If you accidentally get a papercut or bump into the coffee table, your body will miraculously repair itself withing weeks or even days depending on the severity of the injury. Your body can fight off infections and restore its health. However, this doesn’t apply to your teeth. Continue reading to learn more about chipped teeth and the next steps you should take.
Why Don’t Chipped Teeth Repair Themselves?
Enamel might be the strongest substance in the whole body, but it doesn’t have the ability to heal on its own. This means that chipped teeth, no matter how small or significant, will not repair themselves. At their best, teeth can remineralize, but they don’t “grow back.” Only restorative or cosmetic dental treatments can restore teeth that have been broken or chipped.
Do You Need to Visit the Dentist for Minor Chips?
Teeth that have been chipped will eventually become further damaged if you don’t receive dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the break, there are various solutions that can help to restore the appearance and integrity of your smile. It is especially important to head to the dental office if the tooth is sharp or jagged, as you could accidentally end up cutting your gums or oral tissue.
What Treatments Are Used for Chipped Teeth?
Dental Bonding
Your dentist can sculpt and shape a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth to match the exact size, shape, and color necessary to blend in with the rest of the tooth. This is an affordable option that can easily fix small flaws in the teeth. In addition to chips, it can mask small stains. Depending on the location and how well it is cared for, bonding can last up to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell made from wafer-thin tooth colored porcelain. It is designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. This can be placed in just two easy visits to your dentist. The first appointment involves preparing your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front facing surface of the tooth. Bite impressions are then taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneer will be created. In just a few weeks, you will have another appointment where the cosmetic dentist will place your veneer on your tooth. This option is ideal for fixing chips, misshapen teeth, stains, small gaps, and undersized teeth. It should last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Your chipped tooth will not heal on its own, so you should see your dentist at your earliest convenience. This way, you can discuss treatment methods to best meet your needs.
About the Practice
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Richardson community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have a chipped tooth, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (972) 644-3800.