HOW WE RESHAPE CHIPPED TEETH
A strong blow or any type of force on your mouth often results in the breaking of your tooth leaving a disfigured, jagged appearance and can be very painful.
Causes of tooth chipping:
Biting hard things
Accidents and falls
Contact sports without the appropriate protective wear e.g., mouth guards
Teeth grinding
What are factors that could weaken your teeth making them susceptible to chipping?
Tooth decay
Large fillings
Teeth grinding
Acid reflux
Old age
What symptoms are you likely to experience with chipped teeth?
Pain and sensitivity from the teeth.
Disfiguring of the tooth.
Irritation of the gum and by the broken tooth
First aid for a broken tooth?
If you are in a position, you cannot see a dentist immediately the following can be some things you can do. However, this is not a definitive treatment as you still have to see a dentist.
Avoid biting and chewing with the broken portion of the tooth.
Incase of pain, take a painkiller like Panadol
You can place a piece of sugar free gum over the chipped area so as to reduce the amount of sensitivity you are feeling.
Book an appointment with us as soon as possible to have the tooth fixed.
What are the various treatment options available?
Treatment options often depend on the severity. If the break is very painful, chances are it has extended all the way to the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels.), the treatment begins with root canal treatment. This helps relieve the pain. After this, a restoration is put on the tooth to restore its form and function.
Filling
This is the simplest restoration. It involves shaping of the tooth and a tooth colored material is shaped to cover the defect. This material is then hardened by exposing it to a special kind of light (ultraviolet light). With this you have your tooth as good as new. Click here to learn more about dental fillings.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is a type of restoration where a small thickness of the tooth is shaved off .This measurement is taken with the aid of an impression and is sent to the lab. In the laboratory a thin restoration is made from porcelain. It almost resembles a the artificial finger nails usually purchased. This veneer is then cemented to your chipped tooth and its shape and function is restored. Click here to learn more about veneers. Click here to learn more about taking care of your veneers.
Dental Crowns
In severe damage to the tooth a crown is used to fix it. A dental crown is a porcelain cap put on the tooth that restores it. The process begins by reducing the tooth and taking an impression which is then taken to the laboratory where the crown is fabricated. The crown is then cemented to the tooth. This is usually very strong and long lasting .
