A chipped tooth can make it difficult to chew and talk in some cases. It can also be uncomfortable since the tooth’s jagged edge can snag your tongue. The damaged tooth might lower your self-esteem. If you have a chipped tooth in Denver, the dental team at Metropolitan Dental Care can effectively restore your tooth for optimal health, function, and aesthetics.

What Causes Chipped Teeth?

A chipped tooth is a common problem that plagues many patients. There are several ways that you can chip your tooth. Some of the most common include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Biting on something hard
  • Serious fall
  • Trauma like a car accident or hit to the face
  • Teeth grinding
  • Sports accidents

What are Some Risk Factors?

Weakened teeth are more likely to chip than healthy teeth. Cavities can deteriorate your tooth’s enamel. Large fillings can also lead to tooth damage. Eating and drinking certain foods with lots of acids can strip enamel. Health conditions like acid reflux can lead to stomach acid entering your mouth and damaging the outer layer of your teeth. An accumulation of plaque is another risk factor for chipped teeth. Older patients are at a higher risk of having weakened enamel, leading to broken teeth.

What Treatment Options are Available?

If you have a chipped tooth in Denver, it’s important to seek treatment to fix your tooth and prevent more serious issues. For a recent tooth break, if you have the broken piece, your dentist might be able to reattach it. Visit your doctor immediately to explore your treatment options.

Bonding is a popular treatment for chipped teeth. One of our dentists will place a porcelain or composite resin material on your damaged tooth. The material is cemented to the tooth’s surface and shaped for a natural look. Your dentist uses a UV light to harden the resin. The doctor shapes the material for a final time for a seamless appearance.

Many patients choose veneers to restore their cracked teeth. Our dentist places this restoration over two appointments. The doctor takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a lab. In the meantime, the clinician removes a small portion of enamel to prep your tooth. You’ll receive a temporary veneer while the lab creates your permanent restoration.

When your permanent veneers are ready, you’ll come into the office for a second visit. Your doctor will ensure that the veneer is the right size, fit, and color. If it’s satisfactory, your dentist bonds it to your tooth to repair the chip. The tooth will match your surrounding teeth.

What Should I Expect Afterward?

After you receive any treatment, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your repaired tooth. You also need to keep scheduled appointments. With any treatment, you should be sure to follow a good oral care regimen, including brushing and flossing daily.

If your chipped tooth was the result of a cavity or gum disease, then your doctor will need to provide additional treatment. Our dentists will give you a personalized treatment program to treat underlying conditions.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have a chipped tooth in Denver that you want to restore, you should contact our office. To schedule a consultation, please call our practice at 303-534-2626 to learn more.