What To Do About a Jagged or Chipped Tooth

What To Do About a Jagged or Chipped Tooth

Accidents happen, and it is not uncommon for accidents to happen to the mouth.  A hit to the face while playing sports, falling and hitting your mouth, or even simply biting into something really hard can all cause trauma to your mouth and teeth.  What if one of these incidents causes your tooth to become jagged or chipped?  Not only could this cause you to feel insecure about your smile, but sometimes jagged or chipped teeth can actually cause discomfort or pain. Having misshapen teeth can also make it more difficult to clean thoroughly, and if germs and bacteria are left on the teeth, cavities can quickly form. The good news is there are solutions and remedies for your jagged or chipped tooth.  Here are four options to consider if you have a tooth you’d like to have fixed.

  1. Contouring

Contouring is a simple cosmetic procedure that usually does not even require a local anesthesia.  If your tooth is only minorly jagged or chipped, your dentist may recommend contouring.  During this procedure, your dentist will use a drill or laser to remove some of the enamel on the misshapen tooth, smoothing out the edges and improving the shape.

  1. Bonding

Another quick and painless procedure your dentist may recommend if you have a chipped tooth is called bonding.  During this procedure, your dentist will apply resin to the chipped tooth to fill in the missing part.  The resin will match the color of your tooth so that it blends in with your other teeth.  It is important to note that the resin isn’t as strong as your actual tooth, so practicing good oral care will be crucial in protecting the mended tooth.

  1. Veneer

A pricier and more permanent solution to a chipped or jagged tooth is getting a veneer.  A veneer can either be made of porcelain or composite materials and, similar to bonding, is placed over the chipped or jagged tooth.  First your dentist will remove some of the tooth’s enamel, then she will use dental cement to permanently bond the veneer to the tooth.  Getting a veneer is a good option especially if you are trying to strengthen your tooth.  While enamel is tough, over time it can get worn down.  A veneer is a great way to strengthen a tooth with severe enamel erosion.

  1. Replacement

In some cases, if your jagged or chipped tooth is severe, your dentist may recommend replacing the tooth.  While this process will take longer, it is still relatively painless and has a quick recovery time.  First your dentist will schedule a time to extract the tooth.  Once the damaged tooth is removed, your dentist will replace it with either a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.  You and your dentist can talk through these three options and decide which is best for you.

Whether it just happened or you’ve had a jagged or chipped tooth for years, you don’t have to live with discomfort or embarrassment.  At Cornerstone Family Dentistry we would love to discuss your options with you and help give you a bright and confident smile.

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