A chipped tooth is considered a dental emergency, and one that you should plan to meet with your dentist about within a few days of the incident. While you might think tooth enamel works similar to other bones throughout the body, it is actually very different in that it cannot heal on its own. In this article, a local dentist will explain why the strongest tissue in the body is incapable of restoring itself and what experts can do to improve the functionality, health, and appearance of your damaged smile.
Why Tooth Enamel Cannot Heal On Its Own
Tooth enamel is known to be incredibly strong, but it’s not unbreakable or impenetrable. With enough pressure, it can become damaged, resulting in chipped, cracked, and broken teeth. When suffering from a minor or major chip, you cannot rely on your tooth to heal itself. Instead, you’ll be required to seek professional help to restore your smile’s look and functionality.
The truth about tooth enamel is that it cannot be regenerated because it’s not living tissue. This means you must resort to alternative methods to rebuild your enamel. There is also the reality that teeth can undergo remineralization when certain products are used (i.e., fluoride toothpaste). By pushing calcium back into the tooth and applying fluoride, the outermost layer can harden existing enamel.
Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth
When small chips form, however, remineralization will not be enough to eliminate the problem area. Instead, your dentist will need to formulate a treatment plan that works to rebuild your smile. This can be accomplished through:
- Direct bonding: This is an easy-to-apply solution that is completed in one visit. The color-matched composite resin is applied directly to the tooth enamel, covering the imperfection and creating a new and improved tooth. A curing light is used to harden the resin so that it blends in beautifully and lies flat against the outer layer.
- Veneers: If the chip is severe enough, there is the option to place a customized dental veneer over the front surface of the tooth. This will not only hide the chip but also protect the outer layer against further damage. With veneers, you can expect to see a natural, beautiful smile that is free of any damage.
- Dental crowns: When a tooth is severely chipped, a customized dental crown can be created to fit snugly over the entire structure. This will provide the tooth with adequate protection while keeping smiles uniform and aesthetically pleasing.
While a chipped tooth may be an unwelcome surprise, the important thing to remember is that there are viable solutions that are available and are designed to restore your oral health and appearance for years to come.
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, our team is here to provide top-of-the-line dental care in an environment that promotes safety and comfort. If you’re faced with a dental emergency such as a chipped tooth, a member of our team can quickly evaluate the situation and provide recommended treatment options to help get your smile back on track. If you need assistance to determine how best to repair your damaged tooth, visit our website or call (516) 346-5655.