Few things have the power to completely destroy the effect of an otherwise attractive smile than chipped or cracked teeth. Not only that, but this condition can also cause or contribute to poor oral health and make it difficult to chew your food. Fortunately, advances in modern dentistry mean that no one has to live with a less than beautiful or functional smile. At Haley Dental Group of Medina, we strongly believe in providing patients with customized dental restoration options so they can have their best possible smile. Here’s what you need to know about fixing chipped or cracked teeth.
Caring for a Chipped/Cracked Tooth
It’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible in the event of a chipped or cracked tooth. In the meantime, don’t bite down using the affected tooth or teeth, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary. If it’s bleeding, gently place cotton gauze in the area and hold it there by biting down as gently as you can.
Repair and Restoration Options
Repair and restoration options will depend on the severity of the damage. Lightly damaged teeth may be able to be quickly repaired during the course of an office visit using a simple bonding procedure, while serious cases may take longer. One of the most common treatments is to apply veneers or crowns on the damaged teeth. Veneers only cover the front of the teeth, while crowns encase the entire tooth, so which one is used will depend on the placement and severity of the damage. If your dentist decides that the tooth can’t be repaired, it will be necessary for the tooth to be removed and for a dental implant to be installed. Modern implants look and feel almost like the real things.
Please feel free to schedule an appointment with us if you’ve got cracked or chipped teeth or any other dental issue that’s affecting your smile.
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