It could happen at any time. You bite into something unexpectedly hard, and next thing you know you have a nice chunk of a tooth missing, and a smile in need of immediate fixing. While this isn't a desirable situation, there are a number of options available in order to fix it.
Depending on the severity of the damage, and any new or pre-existing damage in the surrounding area, the fix will range from a simple filling, to a more involved process like dental implants.
Here are some of the ways dentists in Charlotte help repair chipped and damaged teeth:
1) Dental Filling or Bonding
If you've only chipped off a small piece of tooth enamel, you may be a good candidate for one of the simplest forms of cosmetic dentistry, dental filling or bonding.
In the more minor of these instances, your dentist might be able repair the damage with a filling only. If a front tooth is damaged, or can be seen when smiling, your dentist will probably use a procedure called bonding. This utilizes a composite resin that is tooth-colored, for a better aesthetic appeal.
Typically bonding is a simple procedure that won't require numbing the tooth. The dentist will first etch the surface with a liquid or gel to roughen it and make the bonding material adhere to it. Then, the dentist will apply adhesive material to the tooth, followed up by a tooth-colored resin.
After shaping this material to appear the same as a natural tooth, the dentist will use an ultraviolet light to harden the material in place.
2) Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain material are bonded to existing teeth to create the appearance of perfectly-alignment.
In comparison to crowns, which we'll discuss shortly, porcelain veneers cover only the front side of a tooth. They typically measure 1 millimeter in thickness or less, and are very unobtrusive.
Some of the benefits of veneers include stain resistance, greater practicality and functionality, increased durability, and a lower cost compared to other procedures.
3) Dental Crowns
If your tooth is severely chipped, a dental crown has the unique ability to fit snugly and safely over the tooth you don't like, while the outside of the crown is shaped and colored to match the rest of your smile.
Dental crowns are a form of cosmetic dentistry that is recommended when working on top of the existing enamel (if any) isn't an option. With a chipped tooth or teeth, this may be desirable particularly if there is weakness or structural damage in addition to the visibly chipped tooth or teeth.
Because enamel doesn't grow back and won't heal on its own, if your tooth is badly cracked in addition to the chip, and at risk of falling to pieces, a custom-fit crown could be the way to go.
4) Dental Bridge
While this isn't as much of a go-to option as it once was, if the damage to your teeth is bad enough, or if there is an entire tooth missing due to your injury, a dental bridge could help remedy the situation.
What usually happens in the case of a dental bridge is that the dentist will recommend grinding down the two adjacent teeth and using them as anchors for a three-tooth bridge.
A bridge is essentially a fake tooth suspended between two real teeth, which are anchored by dental crowns. The crowns hold onto the teeth on either side and connect directly to the fake 'bridge tooth', allowing you to complete your smile without dentures.
Today, dentists offer an alternative to the dental bridge that involves less collateral damage: a single-tooth implant. However, if damage is not substantial enough to warrant a dental implant, the dental bridge may be a cheaper option.
5) Dental Implants
Dental implants are a lot like traditional crowns, in which the root of the damaged tooth or teeth is capped. But in cases where not enough natural tooth is left to support a crown, the dentist can implant an artificial root to anchor the crown.
Dental implants are essentially metal frames or posts implanted into the jawbone under the gums. The foundation is used to mount either permanent or removable replacement teeth which closely resemble your own teeth.
From beginning to end, the entire dental implant process can take up to nine months. The process may vary in specifics but usually follows the same basic steps:
- An individual treatment plan will be developed based on the patient's needs and candidacy for the procedure.
- The titanium post or frame will be implanted into the jawbone under the missing tooth. While typically done via traditional implant surgery, this can also be done via microsurgery. This revolutionary procedure allows for smaller incisions and fewer (or zero!) stitches, and results in reduced pain, bleeding, and swelling, and faster recovery times.
- Once the jawbone has healed and securely anchored the post, a smaller connector post will be secured on top to affix the replacement tooth.
- The replacement tooth (a crown that has been created via an impression of your teeth and bite) will be attached to the connector post.
The benefits of dental implants include the aesthetic appeal of the natural look they give, the convenience of a permanent solution, and the comfort of being able to perform normal behaviors like speaking and eating without as many potential difficulties.
Consideration such as the time spent on the procedure, as well as the cost, can be factors in whether to opt for a dental implant or bridge. Additionally, while more traditional dental procedures are likely covered by your insurance, dental implants may not be, or may be only at a lower percentage.
If you're considering any one of the procedures we've covered, please contact us at William Linger, DDS, MAGD and talk to one of our caring staff to learn more and schedule a no-cost consultation.
