Chipped Tooth Repair: Don’t Let a Crack Ruin Your Smile
Chipping is one of the most common dental issues that can happen from a knock or biting into hard foods. While minor, a chipped tooth requires appropriate treatment to restore aesthetics and prevent further damage. Blunn Creek Family Dentistry is excited to offer chipped tooth repair to patients in Austin, Texas, and the nearby locations. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kunjumary “Mary” Kolathu and enjoy the timely, expert care you dese
What causes chipped teeth?
The enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it’s not indestructible. Excessive pressure can break the enamel, resulting in a chip with a jagged or sharp edge.
The common causes for cracked teeth include:
- Teeth grinding: Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) exerts undue pressure, which can crack your tooth. The damage occurs silently when sleeping, so you may not realize it until you look in the mirror or your dentist notices it.
- Accidents: Falls, vehicular accidents, and injuries from sports like soccer, boxing, and basketball can chip teeth. Even solo activities like cycling, hiking, and climbing can chip your teeth.
- Wear and tear: Years of chewing, grinding, and biting can erode enamel over time until it can no longer withstand the pressure.
- Hard foods: Biting into hard or non-food items can put your enamel at risk.
All dental chips need evaluation by a dentist. While some may not require treatment, it’s only a dentist who should make that call.
Why should you treat a chipped tooth?
Don’t ignore a chipped tooth because it can affect your smile in more than one way. These include:
- Sensitivity: Exposed enamel increases sensitivity, making it difficult to enjoy the foods you love.
- Aesthetics: A chipped tooth, especially at the front, can take away the aesthetic appeal of your smile.
- Risk of further damage: Untreated dental damage leads to more damage. A crack weakens the tooth further, which makes it more susceptible to breakage or infection.
A crack can occur on any tooth. Front teeth are more vulnerable to chips from collisions and falls. Posterior teeth are also susceptible to cracks because of the grinding forces applied to their edges.
How does my Austin dentist treat cracked teeth?
Dr. Mary offers several treatment options for chipped teeth, depending on the location and severity of the damage:
- Dental bonding: Composite bonding is a quick, affordable way to repair minor chips and cracks. Dr. Mary applies tooth-colored material to your tooth and sculpt it to blend with the surrounding teeth. Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that requires only one visit.
- Dental crowns: Severe cracks or breakages may need full coverage with a dental crown. Our crowns are customized to fit over your tooth, restoring its strength and beauty.
- Dental veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a highly aesthetic solution for cracks on the front teeth. Each veneer is customized to cover imperfections while providing a remarkable aesthetic lift.
- Root canals: A crack that extends into the center-most part of your tooth (pulp) may allow harmful bacteria to cause a deep infection. For a root canal, your Austin dentist removes the infected tissues and restores the tooth with a crown. A root canal is an effective way to save a severely cracked tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
Do you need treatment for a chipped tooth in Austin, TX?
Do you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth? Don’t wait! Restore your smile quickly with expert care at Blunn Creek Family Dentistry. Dr. Mary offers several options to repair damage and prevent further complications. Call (512) 788-9282 and schedule your consultation today!
