Chipped Teeth
Calgary, Alberta
Although your tooth enamel is very tough, a tooth can chip or break due to any number of reasons. Even if the chip does not hurt or cause pain, it can lead to further dental problems like decay or staining. If the integrity of the tooth pulp is compromised, tooth loss may result if not treated in a timely manner. Depending on the severity of the chip or crack, Dr. Chee can help choose the right cosmetic dental treatment option for your specific situation.
Causes of Chipped Teeth
Teeth naturally are under a lot of stress. Throughout the day, you can damage your teeth with the foods you eat. At night, or under stress or duress, you can damage your teeth while clenching them. The jaw is the most powerful lever in your body and can put enormous amount of stress on your teeth and cause them to chip or crack. Some of the most common causes of chipped teeth are:
- Tooth grinding
- Expanding fillings
- Eating hard foods
- Trauma
Chipped teeth may be pain free, or very painful. Superficial chips, if ignored can eventually worsen. A chip or crack that exposes the tooth pulp needs to be treated right away to prevent tooth loss. Depending on the severity of the chip, Dr. Chee will choose from one of the following treatment options.
Porcelain Veneers
Superficial chips that appear on the front surface or the chewing edge can be treated with porcelain veneers. Once these thin appliances adhere to the tooth they act as splints to prevent further damage, and can also be used to brighten the tooth.
Onlays and Inlays
For more significant chips, especially of the chewing surface of the tooth, a porcelain onlay may be required. Similar to porcelain veneers, an onlay can cover the chewing surface, adding material where needed to fill the missing part of the tooth.
Inlays are used as filling material and can replace metal fillings that might be putting stress on the tooth and causing cracks as the metal expands. The primary difference between inlays and onlays is that onlays cover the cusp of the tooth.
Dental Crowns
Severe damage caused by a chipped tooth may require endodontic treatment, also called a root canal, and a porcelain crown. Crowns replace substantially more of the tooth than an onlay.
To find out more about cosmetic dentistry treatments for chipped teeth, please contact dentist, Dr. Chee at the Aesthetic Dental Studio. Serving the areas of Calgary and Airdire.
