No one likes their teeth to get chipped. How can you talk comfortably, let alone eat certain foods, without being self-conscious about your chip? Are you wondering if there’s anything you can do about a chipped front tooth?
Although it’s easier to repair a chipped tooth than it is to grow a new tooth, you should still meet with your dentist to decide if your chip will affect your dental health in the future. The good news about chips in general is that most chips are fine to leave alone.
Read on to learn more about the causes of a chipped front tooth and the treatment options that are at your dentist’s disposal.
Accidental Trauma
Accidental trauma to the front tooth is a common dental emergency. It can often result from a direct blow to the face or mouth from a fall. When a front tooth has been chipped or fractured, the underlying pulp may be exposed and cause immense pain. To treat a chipped front tooth, it is important to schedule a visit to the dentist immediately.
Your local cosmetic dentistry provides numerous treatments to restore a chipped front tooth. Porcelain veneers and bonding are great solutions for improving the look of a chipped tooth.
Clenching Your Teeth
This often happens when a person grinds or clenches their teeth, and the force is so great that a small chip is knocked off the affected tooth. Clenching your teeth can be caused by things like stress, anxiety, and even strong medication. It can also be the result of a misaligned bite.
Treatment includes either composite or ceramic filling material to cover the damaged area. Other treatments for clenching your teeth include relaxation exercises, behavioral therapy, and possibly a mouthguard to protect the teeth from being damaged further.
Biting Too Hard
This can be caused by either biting into hard food such as ice or by accidentally clashing teeth with another person when playing a contact sport or during a low-impact accident such as a fall. For minor chips, the dentist may be able to buff and polish the surface of the tooth, restoring the tooth to its original shape.
For more serious chips, cosmetic dentistry may need to fill in the gap created by the chip or even replace the missing pieces with a special bonding material. In extreme cases, the entire front tooth may need to be replaced with dental implants or a dental crown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If a person fails to brush, floss, and get regular dental cleanings, they increase their risk of chipping a front tooth due to cavities and gum disease, which can weaken the tooth’s structure. Treatment for a chipped front tooth will depend on the severity. Minor chips may be able to be filled with composite resins.
This means brushing and flossing regularly, using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and going for regular cleanings and check-ups to help detect any issues before they become larger problems.
Different Treatment Options For Chipped Front Tooth
A chipped front tooth can be unnerving, but luckily there are many available treatment options. From simple repairs involving dental bonding to veneers with long-term durability, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different treatment options for chipped teeth.
Seeing a dentist for professional evaluation and advice will ensure that you receive the best care available.
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