If you have a chipped tooth, you need to visit a general dentist in the Miami area for a restorative procedure. Since chipped teeth are often painless, patients are often tempted to leave them untreated until pain sets in; in that case, more extensive procedures or even removal may be required. In this article, you will discover some of the available procedures for restoring a chipped tooth.
Few options are available for repairing the teeth. The general dentist will examine the teeth and ascertain the best procedure to restore the tooth to its natural appearance. The options include:
Dental bonding involves the use of tooth-colored composite. If the damage is minor and affected a front tooth, a simple bonding procedure is usually enough. For the process, the dentist will etch the tooth's surface with a gel to roughen it and ensure the composite material adheres properly. After the bonding material is applied, they will shape it accordingly and harden it with ultraviolet light. They will also polish the tooth to restore its luster.
If a large piece of the tooth breaks off, then a dental crown might be the best choice to restore the tooth's function and appearance. If there is decay, the general dentist will clean it off before taking impressions of the tooth. The impressions will be sent to the dental lab that will produce a custom-made permanent crown to protect the tooth.
A temporary crown may be used until the permanent crown is ready for placement. The crown can be produced from porcelain, metal, resin or a fusion of porcelain and metal material. Porcelain is often used because it is customizable to match the color of the remaining teeth. With proper maintenance, the dental crown can survive several years of use.
Veneers are created from hard porcelain shells and are designed to be applied over the teeth as a mask. The shell is thin and custom-made to fit precisely over the tooth's surface. Veneers mostly serve cosmetic purposes, but they can be used for restoration because placement restores the shape and appearance of the tooth. To place veneers, the dentist will remove a thin layer of the enamel (between 0.3mm to 1.2mm).
Dental impressions will be taken so the veneers can be fabricated in a dental lab. After production, the veneer will be bonded over the tooth's surface. With proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years before needing replacement. What's more, it also covers other imperfections like discoloration.
When a back tooth (molar) is chipped but not severe enough to need a dental crown, the dentist will likely recommend an onlay to restore it. The onlay is fabricated from porcelain and covers the missing part of the tooth, from the chewing surfaces to the cusps. The onlay can be designed to blend with the rest of the teeth and ensure a natural-looking result.
If you have experienced a chipped tooth, do not hesitate to visit the general dentist and have it checked. With any of the options listed above, the dental professional can restore the teeth's natural shape and appearance.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
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