A chipped tooth is one of the most common cosmetic concerns among patients. Nothing disrupts the harmony of a perfect smile more obviously than a snaggletooth, right up front. Sometimes a tooth gets chipped when you take a fall and land on your mouth (ouch), sometimes it happens when you bite into something too hard that you weren’t expecting. It often happens when you’re doing something you know you shouldn’t—like biting a pencil or playing sports without a mouth guard. No matter what the cause, a chipped tooth should always be corrected. Not only does it change the way you look, it also can irritate the tongue and cheek tissue or make the whole tooth weaker.

Do you have a chipped tooth you’re ready to fix? Call our office for an appointment with Dr. Victoria Uryniak or Carson Ferris-Zeolla. We’ll correct your chipped tooth, Clinton NJ, and get you smiling again!

How We Correct a Chipped Tooth

Even if you have a piece of tooth that broke off, we can’t reattach it. What we can do is make your tooth whole again, using sturdy, high-tech dental fabrication materials. There are three ways to do this.

Tooth Bonding: This technique uses the same materials used in white fillings (dental composite) to sculpt a new surface over the front of the tooth. We apply the material, sculpt and contour it into the proper shape to replace the enamel you lost. When it looks perfect, we then harden it with a special curing light. After the composite is bonded to the tooth, we smooth and polish it until it matches the sheen of your natural tooth enamel.

Porcelain Veneers: This approach involves apply just one veneer to the tooth, which is tailor-made to match the appearance of your original tooth. Veneers are made of strong, stain-resistant porcelain and can replace the front surface of your tooth for years. After treating the tooth and making a dental impression, we will attach a temporary veneer. When your permanent veneer is ready the temporary comes off and the permanent veneer is bonded to the tooth.

Dental Crowns: This approach may be needed if a chip is very large or if the tooth has also been cracked. Crowns are different from bonding and veneers, because they encircle and protect the whole tooth. They are usually made from dental ceramic (porcelain), but can also be made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). If we recommend a crown, the process is similar to that of veneers. We treat the tooth, and attach a temporary crown until your customized crown is ready.

Depending on how long ago your tooth was damaged, and whether you have experienced any pain, there is also the possibility that you might need more extensive restoration to the tooth. In some cases, a tooth that has sustained an injury may also have a deep crack that extends into the inner structure of the tooth. If you have a crack that extends into the pulp chamber, you may also need endodontic therapy to make sure the tooth does not become infected.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you visit Quality Dentistry at Walnut Pond, we will have a look at your chipped tooth, Clinton NJ, and take x-rays to check for damage to the tooth. We will explain any health concerns regarding your tooth enamel and oral health. We will suggest a method for correction, such as one of the three techniques mentioned above. No matter which treatment you choose, we will explain your options fully, including the estimated costs, insurance coverage, and projected results.

Have you been waiting too long to repair a chipped tooth, Clinton NJ? Call us today at 908-200-7007 to make an appointment. We’ll make your smile whole again, so you can smile with confidence!