Dental Care for All of Us

Did you crack or chip a tooth? Dental damage won't heal on its own. If you recently had an accident or mouth injury, take a look at what you need to know about crack/chip care and how a dentist can help to repair your tooth or restore your smile. 

You Might Need A Root Canal

An impact that cracks or seriously chips a tooth could cause interior inflammation. Even though your teeth are made from a hard protective coating, the inside is soft and tissue-filled. If the crack or chip extends downwards towards the root of the tooth, it could affect the pulp. Damage to this sensitive tissue puts you at risk of pain, irritation, inflammation, and a potentially severe infection. 

A root canal can help to save your tooth and may reduce the risks of an abscess or other infection. While this type of treatment can preserve the health of your tooth, it won't repair the cracked or chipped area. Your dentist will need to choose another type of treatment to restore the outward appearance or aesthetic of your tooth. 

You Might Need Dental Bonding

This aesthetic solution to a broken tooth uses a tooth-colored resin material to repair the cracked or chipped area. The dentist will choose a shade of composite resin that matches your tooth's natural color. They will then prepare the surface by roughening it with a special tool. When the tooth is ready, the dentist will apply the resin and shape it to fit the area. 

To complete the dental bonding procedure, the dentist will need to cure the composite resin material with a specialized light. After the material has cured, the dentist will check the shape and your bite. The dental professional will also need to polish the restoration to smooth the edges and create a natural shape.

You Might Need Dental Veneers

A dental veneer can change the appearance of your cracked or chipped tooth. This type of dental restoration fits like a sleeve over the original tooth. The hatred, tooth-like material covers the entire surface and hides imperfections, cracks, chips, or unevenness. Most dental veneers are made from either porcelain or composite resin material.

The dentist may need to shave down or remove part of the original damaged tooth before placing the veneer. After placement dental veneers are semi-permanent and could last for years. Like real teeth, it's possible to damage dental veneers. Another impact could chip or crack the material and require a replacement veneer.