Taking Care Of A Chipped Or Cracked Tooth
Posted July 13, 2016 by Wager-Evans Dental
A chipped or cracked tooth can be painful, and certainly unpleasant. If you have suffered an injury that leaves a visible mark on a tooth – or an injury that mars several teeth – you may need cosmetic dental work to restore your appearance. When it comes to taking care of superficial damage, you have options. If you want to leave with a fixed smile after just one visit, you can elect to undergo a dental bonding treatment. Porcelain veneers can also be crafted to hide damage. This approach can be more expensive, and take longer to complete, but the veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than the composite resin used in dental bonding.
Covering Up Superficial Damage
With bonding, your dentist will apply a select amount of composite resin on your tooth, to make it appear natural and unharmed. This can mean coating over a crack, or filling in space created by a chip. In some cases, your dentist might recommend contouring, to even out the chipped tooth. If you decide to have a veneer placed on the tooth, it will take two visits. The first trip is about measurements and preparation – a second visit will involve your dentist permanently bonding the veneer (or several veneers, if multiple teeth are being treated).
Having Your Dentist Inspect An Injured Tooth
If you suffer a dental injury, especially one that creates pain in your tooth, it may require restorative work. You should arrange to have it reviewed by your dentist in order to find out if work will be required. In some cases, a tooth will suffer internal damage and need a root canal after an injury.