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Whether due to an accident or biting on something too hard, a chipped or broken tooth isn’t something to ignore. In addition to causing noticeable changes in your smile, this damage can increase your risk for other oral health problems. Fortunately, if you act fast and seek help from a cosmetic dentistry specialist, your damaged tooth can be restored to its original look and functionality. To better understand how these issues are handled, here is a brief review of the treatment process.

Cosmetic Dentistry Repair Guide for Broken or Chipped Teeth

Examination

At the dental office, your provider will begin treatment by providing a comprehensive assessment of the damage. During this examination, they will check to see if sensitive nerves have been compromised and determine what type of treatment may be necessary. In some cases, they may take a dental X-ray to get a complete view of the damage.

Restoration

cosmetic dentistryBefore structural repair, your dentist will need to address any issues that may compromise the integrity of the tooth. For example, if a fracture has damaged dental nerves, they will perform a root canal to sterilize the tooth and prevent pain. To prepare for cosmetic treatment, the tooth will be cleaned and filed down.

Cosmetic Care

Many different cosmetic dentistry solutions can restore a broken or chipped tooth. If the chip was minor and only caused surface damage, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth in a single visit by bonding composite resin to the affected area. This tooth-colored material will set in place and protect against further damage.

In more severe cases, dental prosthetics may be used to restore the tooth. For example, veneers cover teeth to cover larger chips. If more structural damage has occurred, a dentist can fix a custom-shaped dental crown to the top of the tooth to keep it strong and maintain its appearance. If the entire tooth needs to be extracted, a dental implant offers a complete, permanent replacement of the original tooth-and-root structure.

 

If you’ve broken or chipped a tooth in Kailua-Kona, HI, Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, is a skilled cosmetic dentistry specialist who can help you smile again with confidence. Focused on providing patients with the highest level of comfort in his dental spa, Dr. Yokoyama is known for delivering gentle care at every phase of treatment using the latest restorative dentistry solutions. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these treatment options, or call (808) 322-0101 to schedule responsive care.

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