We Offer a Variety of Treatments for Repairing a Chipped Tooth
A fall, accident, or another type of trauma that leaves you with a chipped tooth can compromise your smile and make it embarrassing to smile or laugh without covering your mouth. A chipped tooth can also lead to speech impairments and uncomfortable symptoms, such as dental sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk for tooth decay. There are several treatments available to repair a chipped a tooth, and the specific method used will depend on the severity of the damage. One of the main goals at our Boston, MA, practice is to repair the tooth with a natural appearance while also restoring full dental function. Dr. James Stein uses a variety of materials, including composite resin and porcelain, that can be color-matched to the surrounding tooth.
What Causes a Chipped Tooth?
There are a number of situations that can cause a chipped tooth, such as:
- Eating something hard
- Falling or tripping
- Bike accident
- Sports injury
- Impact to the face
- Loose teeth
- Untreated cavities
- Old amalgam fillings
When an injury occurs, following emergency dentistry protocol can help protect your long-term health. Once the tooth is chipped, we recommend rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area. Any pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
When an injury occurs, following emergency dentistry protocol can help protect your long-term health.
Types of Restorative Treatment Options
During your consultation, Dr. Stein will take x-rays of the injured tooth to evaluate the severity of the damage and better determine the type of treatment required. There are several available treatments for chipped teeth, including:
- Dental Filling: This procedure is beneficial for minor damage to teeth in the back of your mouth that are not as visible as those in the front. Composite resin can be color-matched to blend with the biting surface of your tooth and used to reinforce and strengthen the remaining structure. A dental filling is often recommended when a tooth is susceptible to tooth decay due to the location of the damage.
- Dental Bonding: This cosmetic dentistry procedure is recommended for teeth that are highly visible in the front of the mouth and for patients seeking an affordable approach to repairing their smiles. Similar to a dental filling, this procedure uses custom-shaded composite resin designed to blend seamlessly with the tooth’s enamel. However, unlike a dental filling, dental bonding generally does not require anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Stein will gently mold the resin over the tooth to create an anesthetically pleasing and durable result.
- Porcelain Veneers: This procedure is recommended for patients with chipped teeth that can be seen when smiling, and who are looking for a longer-lasting treatment. Veneers are custom-made thin porcelain shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Each veneer is fabricated to match the natural shape, color, and size of the tooth and is able to completely restore the aesthetics and function of a smile. When properly cared for, results can last for many years.
- Dental Crowns: For more severe chips to teeth in the back of the mouth, Dr. Stein can use our E4D CAD CAM restoration system to fabricate a custom-made dental crown from a single block of natural-looking ceramic, right inside our office. Most patients can achieve beautiful results the same day. Once created, the dental crown will completely cover your tooth and restore its structural integrity.
Contact Us Today
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to a chipped tooth, Dr. Stein can perform one of our cosmetic or restorative procedures. Contact our office online or by calling (617) 227-6076 to schedule your consultation.
