Chipped tooth repair fixes a tooth that is chipped, cracked or worn down, so it looks and works the way it should. Our team does this for kids and adults at Luka Dental Care on Aldersbrook Road in London, Ontario.
The right fix depends on how big the damage is and where it is. Here are the options we use most.
Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped teeth. Veneers can also be used to close unsightly gaps between teeth. Stronger types of veneers made of porcelain, also called composite veneers, typically last longer because they are bonded to the tooth.
Another process called bonding can accomplish some of the same things, but it does not last as long. Material that looks much like the enamel on your teeth is used during a bonding procedure. The material is shaped to the tooth, and when it becomes hard it is polished.
In addition, dental contouring and reshaping can correct chipped, cracked, crooked, or even overlapping teeth. This procedure can alter the shape, length, or position of teeth.
A small chip can often be fixed in one visit with dental bonding. We shape tooth-colored material over the chip, harden it with a light and polish it to match.
If a larger chip is on a front tooth, porcelain veneers can cover it with a thin shell made to match your smile. If a lot of the tooth is gone, a crown is usually the stronger choice.
A crack can grow over time, so it is best to have it checked soon. A small crack near the surface may only need bonding.
If the crack goes deeper, one of our dental crowns in London, Ontario can cover the whole tooth and protect it from splitting. With CEREC and our own lab, we can often make the crown the same day.
If the crack reaches the nerve, the tooth may need a root canal before the crown.
Teeth can wear down from grinding, a bite that is off, or acid from food and drink. We look for the cause first, so the repair lasts.
Worn teeth can be built back up with bonding, veneers or crowns, depending on how much tooth is left. If you grind at night, a night guard protects your teeth and the repair.
A small chip that does not hurt can usually wait a few days. If the tooth hurts, the break is large, or you see pink or red inside the tooth, call us the same day at 519-472-4460.
No. A tooth cannot grow back together the way a bone can. A crack can get bigger with time, so it is best to have it checked early.
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any piece you find. A cold pack on your cheek helps with swelling. Then call us to book a visit.
It depends on the size of the chip and the repair it needs. Bonding usually costs less than a veneer or a crown. We tell you the cost of each option before we start.
