Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
A chipped tooth is both an unpleasant event to experience and negatively impacts your appearance. Some teeth cause severe pain when chipped due to exposing the tooth’s nerve. When you chip a tooth, it can lead to advanced dental conditions such as cavities or an infection. It is critical to have an emergency dentist in Scotts Valley examine the damage and repair it as soon as possible. To help guide you, Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry has outlined some of the common causes of chipped teeth and how to fix them.
Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
Teeth can chip for various reasons.
Below are the most common:
- Weakened Tooth Enamel – Can be caused by a lack of dental care or advanced decay
- Trauma – Impacts from accidents or sporting injuries
- Hard Substances – Biting down on hard candy, ice, nuts, and seeds
- Grinding – Consistently moving your teeth back and forth while sleeping or awake
Fixing a Chipped Tooth
The first step in getting a chipped tooth fixed is by contacting a general dentist in Los Gatos for immediate repair. After your examination, the treatment process will be determined based on the amount of damage that has occurred. A chipped or broken tooth may be repaired with cosmetic bonding, a dental crown, or a porcelain veneer that will restore the tooth for appearance and functionality.
What is cosmetic bonding?
Bonding is a composite resin that is bonded to the surface of the tooth and then smoothed out to look, feel, and function as a real tooth. This procedure can be completed in a single visit to our Scotts Valley dental office.
What are dental crowns?
Crowns or caps are used where extensive damage has occurred. Instead of filling a small area, the whole tooth is encapsulated to help reduce the likelihood of sensitivity, infection, or decay. Crowns are made of dental porcelain that is smooth and realistic looking. It requires two appointments to get a crown made. But, we will place a temporary restoration over your tooth to protect it and improve the aesthetics while your permanent crown is fabricated.
What are veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that not only enhance the appearance of your teeth, but also restore a tooth that is slightly damaged or chipped. Veneers require two separate dental appointments as well, but just like with crowns, we can provide you with a temporary fix until your veneers have been made.
Regardless of the option you choose to restore your tooth, Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry uses quality dental materials to craft restorations. Whether you go with dental bonding, crowns, or veneers, the result will blend seamlessly with your smile.
Will fixing a chipped tooth prevent decay and sensitivity?
Depending on the severity of the chip, the enamel may be subjecting the underlying nerve tissue that causes sensitivity when your tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures like hot and cold. Also, a chipped tooth could harbor bacteria that lead to tooth decay or other oral health problems. When you repair a chipped tooth, it significantly reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and sensitivity.
What could happen if I ignore my chipped tooth?
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, you should get the area repaired because bacteria could build-up in the crevices, therefore, cause additional damage. If the underlying nerves are exposed and causing pain, it is critical to contact a general dentist in Santa Cruz for an examination and to determine the best options for treatment. Ignoring the damaged tooth could lead to extreme pain or an infection.
Who can fix my chipped tooth?
Our top-rated cosmetic dentists in Scotts Valley can fix your chipped tooth. If you live in or are visiting the Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California areas, and need general or emergency dental care, feel free to contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry at (831) 438-4411 for assistance.