What to Expect When You Need Chipped Tooth Repair

Chipping a tooth can happen unexpectedly, and it can be a painful and stressful experience. But the good news is that chipped tooth repair is a common procedure that can restore your tooth to its original shape and function. Gwinnett Family Dental Care in Lawrenceville, GA, offers quick and painless Chipped Tooth Repair as part of our General Dentistry and Emergency Dental Care services.

Here’s what you can expect when you come to us for chipped tooth repair.

Diagnosis

The first step in chipped tooth repair is to diagnose the extent of the damage. Your Gwinnett Family Dental Care dentist will examine the chipped tooth to determine the size and location of the chip. They may also take X-rays to assess any underlying damage to the tooth or root. You can expect to be asked about your pain level and the circumstances surrounding your chipped tooth.

Treatment Options

Once your dentist has diagnosed the extent of the damage, they will recommend the best treatment option for your specific case. There are several chipped tooth repair options available, including:

Dental Bonding

This is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area of the tooth. Your dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning gel to help the resin adhere to the tooth. They will then apply the resin and shape it to match the tooth’s natural contour. Finally, they will use a special light to harden the resin and polish the surface of the tooth.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the chipped tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. A dental crown is typically recommended for larger chips or when the tooth has been significantly weakened. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed material. They will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to create the custom crown. In the meantime, they will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. Once the custom crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond the new crown to the tooth.

Dental Veneer

A dental veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain or composite material that is bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers are an excellent option for repairing chips in the front teeth, as they can restore the tooth’s appearance and function. For a dental veneer, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to make room for the veneer. They will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to create the custom veneer. In the meantime, they will place a temporary veneer over the tooth to protect it. Once the custom veneer is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneer and bond the new veneer to the tooth.

The chipped tooth repair procedure will depend on the treatment option recommended by your dentist.

Recovery

After chipped tooth repair, it’s important to take good care of your teeth to ensure a successful recovery. Depending on the treatment option, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods or activities while your tooth heals.

Lawrenceville, GA, Chipped Tooth Repair

Chipping a tooth can be a stressful experience, but chipped tooth repair is a common and effective procedure that can restore your tooth’s appearance and function. By understanding what to expect during the diagnosis, treatment and recovery phases, you can feel more confident and prepared for this dental procedure. Contact Gwinnett Family Dental Care today if you need emergency dental care for a chipped tooth in Gwinnett, Lawrenceville or the surrounding communities.