Even though tooth enamel is an incredibly hard substance, it does break. When it does, it’s important to repair it ASAP. If not, you risk bacteria getting inside your tooth and becoming infected. If not treated with a root canal, you’ll end up losing your tooth. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix a chipped or broken tooth – all of which will restore your smile’s appearance and function.
If you’ve damaged a tooth, call us ASAP at 919-644-7400. In many cases, we can repair the damage in just one appointment. Even better, we’ll make you feel better with comforts like sting-free local anesthesia, cozy pillows and blankets, and dental sedation if you need it.
Below we’ve provided an overview of three of the most common ways to address a chipped or broken tooth:
- Teeth Contouring
- Dental Veneers
- Dental Crowns
Teeth Contouring Will Work for a Minor Fix
The easiest and least expensive way to repair a small cosmetic chip is with a tooth contouring procedure. With this pain-free treatment, we simply use our high-tech dental laser to smooth away the damage. It only takes a few minutes. The repair is permanent. We can also use the procedure to correct imperfections like an overly pointy tooth, a slight overlap, or one with rough or uneven edges.
Mend Damage With Dental Veneers
Veneers are an option for more extensive damage. These thin porcelain “shells” are custom made to cover the entire front surface of your tooth. They are made in a lab, based on our specifications. We’ll match the color to your other teeth, so veneers look completely natural in your smile. A veneer makes your tooth attractive again – and strengthens it too.
With proper care, durable veneers should last at least a decade – and sometimes years longer than that. It’s important to:
- Visit us at least once every six months for an exam and cleaning
- Brush and floss every day
- Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or fingernails
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports
- If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wear a protective mouthguard
Repair a Chipped or Broken Tooth With a Same Day Crown
A crown is our most versatile method of fixing a chipped or broken tooth. Because it completely covers your tooth, a crown can fix even severe breakage.
At most dental offices, you’ll wait at least several days while your crown is made at an off-site lab. If there are any issues with fit or other problems, it may need to be returned to the lab – which entails an even longer wait. During this period, you’ll have to wear a temporary crown.
Thanks to our sophisticated CEREC technology, we use special software and a milling machine to produce your custom-made crown right in our Hillsborough, NC office. The whole process can typically be completed in less than two hours. If any modifications are required, we can make them for you that day.
If you take good care of your crown – using the same best practices we listed above for veneers – it will last for many years.
A crown is so versatile, we can even use it to replace missing teeth. We can attach a single crown to a single dental implant to replace one tooth or use crowns to create a dental bridge for replacing multiple teeth. Supporting crowns with implants offers several advantages. Since implants stimulate your jaw the same way tooth roots do, you’ll avoid the bone loss that happens with other kinds of replacement teeth.
Got a chipped or broken tooth? Call Carolina Bright Smiles at 919-644-7400 for a free restorative dentistry consultation. Our dentists will determine best solution for repairing your damage and restoring your oral health.