A chipped tooth affects your appearance and can negatively impact your dental health. At Lovett Dental Sugar Land in Houston, TX, we have several methods for treating a chipped tooth. Learn how we can restore your smile and help you feel more confident with cosmetic dentistry services in TX.
Treating a Chipped Tooth
In the case of a severe chip, saving the tooth and providing pain relief become the priorities. For example, for badly damaged pulp, we may have to perform a root canal to avoid infection. During the procedure, we can take out the infected pulp, clean the pulp and root channels, and fill it with a safe material to prevent infection.
If a chipped tooth causes severe pain or swelling, use emergency dental services to be seen immediately for relief. Finding treatment sooner rather than later can prevent further problems arising.
Types of Chipped Teeth
The severity of the chipping can determine the difference between a slight flaw and a disfiguring defect. From a dental health perspective, a missing sliver of enamel doesn’t pose the same risk as a larger chip that has fractured the tooth. If the crown breaks off, exposing the pulp, you could experience a lot of pain.
Superficial Chips
Our experienced dental professionals also excel in treating a chipped tooth that hasn’t caused significant structural damage. This type of damage gives you more options for getting the tooth back in biting shape.
Methods of treating a chipped tooth include:
- Reshaping and polishing
- Bonded composite filling
- Complete or full crown
- Porcelain veneers
Your dentist will discuss the best treatment options for your situation. Generally, the worse the damage, the more involved the fix becomes. Although it is crucial to still seek dental treatment for the slightest of damage. Even if there is no pain, there are other complications that can occur.
Fixing Small Chips
A small chip on the biting edge may involve repairing the hard enamel surface without penetrating the dentin. If this is the case, we can ground or reshape the tooth to improve appearance and functionality. We use polishing discs and high-speed drills to make the repairs. Typically, you require no further treatment.
If you end up needing an adjustment or have any concerns after the procedure, contact our office immediately. If you have any concerns about dental anxiety, our Houston sedation dentist is available to improve your experience.
Treating a Chipped Tooth with Fillings and Bonds
If the dentin has become exposed, the dentist has to restore the lost section. This treatment repairs the tooth and improves its appearance. Unlike enamel, dentin has tubules that lead to the pulp chamber. If left uncovered, the tubules can permit bacteria to reach the pulp, similar to a severe cavity.
These days, clients have better choices when it comes to tooth repairs. Thanks to modern technology, there are better materials, such as white filling and dental bonding, that give you an improved appearance. We can match your filling or bonding to the color of the surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.
Let the licensed dentist at Lovett Dental Sugar Land show your smile the love it needs. Treating a chipped tooth is just one of the services that we provide in our family dentistry practice.
Treating a Chipped Tooth with Dental Services in Houston, TX
Lovett Dental Sugar Land handles general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and pediatric dentistry. We are proud to serve clients of all ages in Houston, TX. Whether it comes to treating a chipped tooth or performing an annual checkup, we have you covered. Contact Lovett Dental Sugar Land at 281-759-5900 to make an appointment today.