A chipped or broken tooth is more than an aesthetic issue. It can lead to irreparable damage or a painful infection if not promptly treated. At Dechter & Moy Dentistry in Silver Spring, MD, we treat many patients suffering from tooth damage. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy are expert restorative dentists who have a lot of experience solving complex dental cases including those that include chipped or broken teeth. This type of damage can be due to trauma to the mouth, car accidents, chewing on hard objects, or repetitive teeth grinding.
Treatments for Chipped or Broken Teeth Repair
No matter how the damage was caused, repairing the tooth is very important. Damage to teeth makes them weak and more susceptible to further cracks, breaks, or chips. If the damage is severe enough, you risk losing your tooth totally. It is important to take all measures to save the natural tooth. Natural teeth are better for your overall health and offer the most stability. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer many different types of treatment to address your chipped or broken tooth in Silver Spring, MD.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a sophisticated dental restoration that can not only fix a tooth but also make it look perfect. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that the dentist will bond to the front and sides of a tooth. It will hide just about any type of imperfection including a chipped, broken, or worn down tooth. Dental veneers give the tooth strength to protect it from further damage.
A porcelain veneer can fix a tooth by replacing the chipped and broken piece with a strong porcelain compound. This porcelain looks and feels like real tooth enamel. To learn about our porcelain veneers treatment, visit Porcelain veneers.
Dental Bonding
A dentist can easily repair minor chipped tooth damage using dental bonding. One of the key advantages of dental bonding is its ability to seamlessly blend in with the natural teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing result. Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will use a simple tooth-colored composite resin that blends in naturally with the rest of your smile. The dentist molds this pliable compound into shape by hand directly onto your tooth.
It is very affordable and your dentist can complete the treatment in a single visit. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, dental bonding also offers functional advantages just like veneers. The bonded tooth becomes stronger and more resistant to further damage, as the resin material reinforces its structure. This can help prevent further chipping or cracking of the tooth.
However, this is not a permanent solution and you need to periodically replace the bonding material in the future. it’s also important to note that dental bonding may not be suitable for all cases of chipped teeth. To learn about our bonding procedure, visit Tooth bonding.
Dental Crown
Severely damaged teeth will require the use of a dental crown to save the tooth. If the majority of the tooth is missing or damaged, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will cap the tooth to prevent further damage and give the tooth strength. A crown is a dental restoration that looks just like a real tooth and will completely encase the tooth. To learn about our dental crown services, visit Dental crowns.
Root Canal
You must treat a chipped or broken tooth immediately. Ignoring it will only increase the risk of bacteria entering the inside of the tooth. Once bacteria enter the pulp chamber, it can cause a very painful infection called pulpitis. This requires a root canal to save the tooth. Root canal therapy involves drilling a small hole in the tooth and removing the infection. After a root canal, your dentist will cap the tooth with a crown. To learn about our root canal treatments, visit Root canals.
Dental Filling
We all know that dental fillings are for treating cavities caused by decay, but our dentists can also use them to repair chipped teeth. Chipped or broken teeth can begin to decay if your dentist does not repair them immediately. If the tooth begins to decay, your Silver Spring dentist will need to use a dental filling to repair the tooth. A dental filling is a routine dental treatment that your dentist can complete in a single visit with a local anesthetic.
Tooth Extraction
Major tooth damage or damage left to decay or cause infection may require an extraction. Your Silver Spring dentists will do everything in their power to save the tooth and avoid extraction. To learn about our tooth extraction services, visit Tooth extraction.
Get your chipped or broken tooth fixed today in Silver Spring, MD. When you have chipped or broken teeth and the right treatment to fix it, you can transform your smile and self-confidence. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with our dentist to learn more about your options for fixing damaged teeth. Call our Silver Spring dental office at (301) 508-9755.