A chip can occur on one of your teeth from a variety of different sources. Sometimes the source can be as mundane as grinding your teeth at night or nibbling on pens and pencils. Other times a chip or small dental fracture can be the result of an oral accident or trauma, such as a blow to the face. The chances of this happening are even more likely to occur if you participate in sports without a requisite mouthguard.
In many cases, chips and small dental fractures don’t cause discomfort or heightened sensitivity. This might dupe you into making the poor choice of avoiding professional treatment. As time goes by, stray food residue and bacterial buildup could form in the damaged enamel, creating a cavity in the already compromised tooth.
Dr. Amit B. Patel might be able to repair a small chip with a basic filling. If the damaged enamel is large or in a critical area on the tooth, he might recommend a dental crown restoration. This will replace the entire tooth enamel layer with a replica made from an artificial material that is not subject to tooth decay.
If a blow to the face or other oral trauma has chipped multiple teeth in your smile, your dentist might recommend porcelain dental veneers. These are porcelain shells cemented over the faces of your teeth to provide you with a white smile that will also resist staining.
If a chipped tooth causes you pain or heightened sensitivity, it could mean the damage extends deep into the sensitive interior of the tooth. For a tooth in this condition, your dentist might need to perform a root canal. Then, he will cover the remains of the tooth with a dental crown.
If you live in the Ashburn, Virginia, area and you’ve suffered a chipped tooth, we invite you to call 703.724.4470 today to seek professional care and repair at Ashburn General Dentistry. We look forward to assisting you with all of your oral care needs!Â