General dentistry is a versatile form of dental care. Most people know general dentists as their primary oral health providers. Dentists within the profession focus on diagnostic, restorative, preventative, and cosmetic procedures. After suffering a chip to a tooth, patients can visit their general dentist for options to repair their smile.
Enamel is a robust and mineralized tissue, but all tissue has limits. Biting down on something hard, falling, or receiving a blow to the face can result in tooth chipping. Professionals have a wide array of procedures in their arsenal to restore a tooth's function and appearance.
Large chips may require crowns or caps to cover the original tooth structure. In the process, dentists file down part of the tooth to cover it with a cap or crown. Crown materials include:
A patient's choice depends on preference. For example, metal crowns are more robust, but resin crowns may look identical to an individual's other teeth.
For minor chips in the enamel, general dentistry professionals may restore the tooth with a filling. When patients have visible chips, dentists use tooth-colored composite resin. They apply a gel or liquid to create a rough surface for the bonding material. Then, professionals apply the adhesive and resin. Dentists shape the material to look the same as the patient's natural teeth. To harden the filling, professionals use ultraviolet light.
Veneers restore the appearance of a tooth with chips in the front. They are thin shells made from resin composite material or porcelain. The material covers the entirety of the front of the tooth. For additional strength, most dentists use a thicker section of veneer to protect the chip.
To install veneers, dentists remove about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters of enamel. Following, they take an impression of the tooth to create the veneer. When placing the device, professionals roughen the tooth's surface and use cement to place the veneer.
Sometimes, a chipped tooth may lead to further trauma of the tooth's pulp. If the break in the tooth exposes the pulp, patients may require a root canal. The dentist removes tooth decay and the tooth's nerve during a root canal. Following the procedure, dentists may use crowns or fillings to restore the appearance and strength of a patient's natural teeth.
Implants are the most involved option for fixing chipped teeth. Chipped teeth can develop into fractures. An extraction may be the patient's only option when fractures extend to the gum line. After the extraction, professionals install a metal post and implant. Implants perform the same as an individual's natural teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Tinley Park, IL
In general dentistry, professionals have various ways to repair a chipped tooth. Patients have different options available based on the severity of the chip and personal preference for restorative treatment. They may choose between crowns, composite bonding, veneers, implants, and root canals.
Request an appointment or call Tinley Park Smiles & Implant Dentistry at 708-675-7427 for an appointment in our Tinley Park office.
A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.If the affected area has…
General dentistry aims to keep your teeth and gums healthy by educating you about proper oral hygiene and performing preventative treatments that protect against issues like gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends going to the dentist at least two times per year. These visits are used to evaluate the condition of…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…