Fixing a Chipped Tooth
Whether you have a nearly flawless smile that is free from cavities and is pearly white, or you have a smile that can use some improvement, a chipped or cracked tooth can be frustrating and upsetting. Oftentimes a fractured tooth occurs following a trip, fall, or some type of accident, and can immediately make it embarrassing to smile without covering your mouth. Fortunately, at Astoria Dental Group in Queens, fixing a chipped tooth and repairing it back to its natural look, feel, and shape is our specialty. Prompt treatment is important to minimize further damage. Call (718) 278-1123 or email us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Clifford Degel or Dr. Carmen Every-Degel today.
For a more severe crack that has affected a larger portion of the tooth, or has left more than a single tooth damaged, veneers provide a comprehensive solution that looks and feels like your natural smile.
What Are My Options?
When you visit our office, we will conduct a full examination of your damaged tooth, along with the surrounding teeth, your jaw, and other areas that may have been affected. If you damaged your tooth in an accident or fall, we want to ensure that none of the adjacent teeth have been loosened or fractured. Once it has been determined that the primary cause of damage is to the single tooth, we will discuss your treatment options. A chipped tooth can be repaired with:
Dental Bonding
Layers of tooth-colored resin will be applied directly to the front of the tooth and then hardened using a curing light. The front of the tooth will then be polished, so that it has the natural look and feel that you are used to. Dental bonding is used primarily for a minor chip or crack that has not affected the overall integrity of the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
For a more severe crack that has affected a larger portion of the tooth, or has left more than a single tooth damaged, porcelain veneers provide a comprehensive solution that looks and feels like your natural smile. The thin porcelain shells are custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to ensure the most precise fit, and then applied directly to the tooth’s surface.
Dental Crown
If one of your posterior teeth has sustained damage, a dental crown or cap may be the best option to protect the tooth and restore its structure. Typically, the use of a crown for a chipped tooth is not as common as using a veneer or bonding treatment, but if necessary, we will provide the option that works best for you.
When a Dental Implant May be Necessary
Oftentimes, a chipped tooth can be restored quickly through a minimally invasive procedure. However, at times, especially if you sustained the chip during some type of blunt trauma, the crack may extend further down the tooth and below the surface the gum line. If this occurs, Dr. Degel may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant.
Receive Prompt Treatment
If you have recently chipped or cracked your tooth, we understand how important it is to have this treated as quickly as possible. Please give us a call at (718) 278-1123, or send us a message to schedule the earliest appointment.
