General Dentistry: Options to Repair a Chipped Tooth

General dentistry is a versatile form of dental care. Most people know general dentists as their primary oral health providers. Dentists within the profession focus on diagnostic, restorative, preventative, and cosmetic procedures. After suffering a chip to a tooth, patients can visit their general dentist for options to repair their smile.

Standard options for chipped teeth in general dentistry

Enamel is a robust and mineralized tissue, but all tissue has limits. Biting down on something hard, falling, or receiving a blow to the face can result in tooth chipping. Professionals have a wide array of procedures in their arsenal to restore a tooth's function and appearance.

Crowns

Large chips may require crowns or caps to cover the original tooth structure. In the process, dentists file down part of the tooth to cover it with a cap or crown. Crown materials include:

• Resin
• Ceramic
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Metal

A patient's choice depends on preference. For example, metal crowns are more robust, but resin crowns may look identical to an individual's other teeth.

Composite bonding

For minor chips in the enamel, general dentistry professionals may restore the tooth with a filling. When patients have visible chips, dentists use tooth-colored composite resin. They apply a gel or liquid to create a rough surface for the bonding material. Then, professionals apply the adhesive and resin. Dentists shape the material to look the same as the patient's natural teeth. To harden the filling, professionals use ultraviolet light.

Veneers

Veneers restore the appearance of a tooth with chips in the front. They are thin shells made from resin composite material or porcelain. The material covers the entirety of the front of the tooth. For additional strength, most dentists use a thicker section of veneer to protect the chip.

To install veneers, dentists remove about 0.3 to 1.2 millimeters of enamel. Following, they take an impression of the tooth to create the veneer. When placing the device, professionals roughen the tooth's surface and use cement to place the veneer.

Root canals

Sometimes, a chipped tooth may lead to further trauma of the tooth's pulp. If the break in the tooth exposes the pulp, patients may require a root canal. The dentist removes tooth decay and the tooth's nerve during a root canal. Following the procedure, dentists may use crowns or fillings to restore the appearance and strength of a patient's natural teeth.

Implants

Implants are the most involved option for fixing chipped teeth. Chipped teeth can develop into fractures. An extraction may be the patient's only option when fractures extend to the gum line. After the extraction, professionals install a metal post and implant. Implants perform the same as an individual's natural teeth.