The treatment and restoration of cracked or chipped tooth depends on the cause and the condition of the tooth.
When a tooth breaks, some experience pain, while others do not. Minor cracks due to chipping oftentimes, do not cause pain. This is because only the outer layer of the teeth called the enamel is affected. Fortunately, Dr. Lynch and Dr. Ghannam in Burke Virginia can restore the damage area in order to prevent the condition from worsening and to make the tooth look better.
Serious breaking, on the other hand, can be very painful. This is because the pain goes deep all the way to the nerves. This problem will require a more extensive procedure like a root canal to get the exposed nerve or dental crowning to restore normal tooth function.
What Causes Chipping Or Cracking Of Teeth?
Although the tooth is one of the hardest parts in the human body, it can still be broken or damaged. Among the most common causes of tooth chipping or cracking are as follows:
- Tooth trauma or injury like when something hard accidentally hits the tooth – causing it to be broken or chipped.
- Tooth decay caused by improper dental care and poor dental hygiene.
- Tooth weakening as a result of enamel erosion caused by medication, genetic condition and diet (consumption of acidic foods ad beverages).
- Teeth friction or grinding which usually occurs during sleep.
Tooth Restoration Methods
There are several dental restoration methods to choose from. However, its application will depend on the severity of the condition of the tooth. Dentists are the one who can determine with certainty as to whether a crown or a filling needs to be administered on your cracked tooth.
Among the most common procedures are as follows:
Dental Crowning
Placing a dental crown on the cracked tooth to cover and hold it in place is a common practice. Dental crowns are custom-made to ensure that it will perfectly fit the tooth and so that it will appear less noticeable.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a fast and less expensive way of restoring tooth imperfections. This procedure is often used for cracked, chipped and even stained teeth. Dental bonding is done by selecting a resin bonding material (a composite filling) that has the same color as the tooth that is chipped or cracked. The resin is then placed over the cracked or chipped portion.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are used to cover an entire tooth in order to hide cracks and stains. These are made of ultra thin composite material that are applied onto the tooth, and then use ultra violet light to harden the material. Take note, however, Veneers can be a bit expensive, most especially the porcelain veneers – but they can definitely bring positive results in the appearance of your teeth.
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are best in restoring front teeth caused by tooth decay. It is done by bonding and filling the inlays to the decayed tooth. Inlays have been specifically designed to protect the teeth from future decay.
Having a cracked or chipped tooth can easily be restored to a healthy looking smile. The doctors at Artisan Dental Institute can have your teeth assessed to determine the best dental restoration procedure for you.
Artisan Dental Institute is in the heart of Burke VA and serve Burke, Fairfax, Falls Church,Arlington, Tysons Corner,Oakton and Vienna.
