Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
A chipped tooth can happen to anyone, usually at the most inconvenient time, mind you. Whether it happened while eating, was a result of an accident of sorts, or you woke up to discover it, a chipped tooth can cause embarrassment or discomfort. If you have a chipped tooth, here are some options for repairing your smile.
First off, be sure to call the dentist right away to schedule an appointment. If you are in pain, take over-the-counter pain medications to soothe any discomfort that you experience until you can get in to see the dentist. Try to avoid eating on the affected side, and stick to a soft diet to prevent further damage.
During your consultation with the dentist, he or she will likely recommend one of the following restorative dental treatments to fix your broken tooth. Recommendations are based upon the state of your oral health and if the tooth is healthy enough to sustain a restoration.
Bonding – If the chip is relatively small, a bonding procedure may be enough to fix the tooth. By using a tooth-colored resin, the dentist will permanently bond the material to the affected area, polishing it to give it a natural appearance. The results should last up to 10 years.
Veneer – If a front tooth is damaged, a veneer can cover the front side of the tooth and provide an aesthetic look to your smile. A veneer is more expensive but can last 10-20 years with proper maintenance.
Crown – A porcelain crown fits over the entire tooth, and protects it from further damage. For instance, if you have a back tooth that has broken due to a large filling that has fallen out, a crown may be a better option to ensure your tooth remains healthy for years to come.
Root Canal – This procedure is often recommended when the crack in the tooth is so severe that it exposes the nerve or the pulp. The reason is that once exposed; bacteria can enter the tooth’s chamber and cause an infection in the nerve, also referred to as an abscessed tooth. By treating the nerve, and then capping the tooth with a crown, the dentist can prevent total loss of the tooth.
Dental Implant – If for some reason the tooth is not healthy enough to be saved, the tooth may need to be extracted. In this case, a dental implant is the most viable tooth replacement option available in dentistry. It is important to replace a lost tooth because ignoring the issue will lead to oral health concerns down the road.
Hamilton Dental Care is here to provide care for your oral health concerns. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (570) 387-0533. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients living in the areas of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.
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