The human body is incredible! If you accidentally injure yourself, like getting a papercut or bumping your toe on the coffee table, your body will miraculously heal itself within weeks or even days depending on the severity of the injury. Your body can fight off infections and restore its health. However, this doesn’t apply to your teeth. Read on to learn more about chipped teeth and the next steps that you should take.
Why Don’t Chipped Teeth Heal Themselves?
Enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body, but it doesn’t have the ability to heal on its own. This means that the chipped teeth, no matter how small or insignificant, will not repair themselves. At best, teeth can remineralize, but they don’t “grow back.” Only restorative or cosmetic dental treatments can restore teeth that have been broken or chipped.
Do You Need to Visit the Dentist for Minor Chips?
Teeth that have been chipped will eventually become further damaged if you don’t receive dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the break, there are a variety of solutions that can help to restore the appearance and integrity of your smile. It is especially important to see your dentist if your tooth is sharp or jagged. You don’t want to accidentally cut up the soft tissues in your mouth.
How Are Chipped Teeth Fixed?
Dental Bonding
Your dentist can sculpt and shape tooth-colored cosmetic resin to the tooth to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your tooth. This is an affordable option that can easily fix small flaws in the teeth. In addition to chips, dental bonding can also address small stains. Depending on the location and how well it is cared for, dental bonding can last up to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin shell made from wafter-tin tooth-colored porcelain. It is designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. This can be placed in just two visits to the dental office. The first appointment involves preparing your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front facing surface of the tooth. Bite impressions are then taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneer will be created. In just a few weeks, you will have another appointment where your dentist will place your veneer. This option is ideal for fixing chips, misshapen teeth, stains, small gaps, and undersized teeth. It should last about 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Your chipped tooth won’t heal on its own, so you should see your dentist at your earliest convenience. This way, you can discuss treatment options to achieve your smile goals!
About the Author
After earning her dental degree in India and gaining more than three years of experience, Dr. Tarangini Suggala moved to the United States and graduated with honors from The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dentistry. Today, she has more than a decade of experience and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 446-1111.