Lowell, MA – A chipped or broken tooth can happen to anyone. If you’ve found yourself with a broken, cracked or chipped tooth, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the tooth could become damaged even further or become infected, which can make the treatment more extensive.
“The steps we’ll need to take to repair your tooth will depend on the severity of the damage to the tooth,” says Dr. Vihangi Thakore of Lowell Dental Arts. “If you’ve just chipped a small piece of your tooth, we may be able to use a filling or bonding to repair it. More serious issues may require a crown, dental implant or veneer.”
If you’ve lost a large portion of your tooth, a crown or dental implant may be the best treatment option.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is essentially a tooth shaped cap that covers your tooth. If you’ve lost a large portion of your natural tooth, we will shape what remains, and then use a crown to cover it. Crowns offer a convenient option for repairing broken teeth, and can be made of gold or porcelain fused to metal.
Dental Implant
For patients who have lost a very large portion of their natural tooth, or who have lost tooth structure near the gumline, a dental implant may be an ideal solution. In this instance, the remaining piece of the tooth is removed, and a small screw is placed into the gumline. This titanium screw then acts as your tooth’s root. Once the screw is settled into your gums and fully healed, an abutment is created and then a dental crown is affixed to it. Because the implant is placed securely into your gums, it offers a more lasting solution.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are essentially covers for the front of your teeth, and once bonded to your tooth, they can totally transform the appearance of your smile. Veneers can be used on one tooth or multiple teeth, and with proper care, can last up to 30 years. Veneers can be used to alter the size, shape or color of your teeth. For patients who have chipped a portion of their tooth, a veneer can restore it to make it look whole again.
Root Canal
If you have broken or chipped a tooth and the pulp of the tooth has been exposed, you may require a root canal to prevent further damage. The pulp is the center of your tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. If your tooth cracks and leaves the pulp exposed, bacteria can enter in, which could lead to an infection. Root canal therapy removes the dead pulp, cleans out the root canal, and seals it to prevent any further damage. A crown will then be used to cover the tooth.
If you have broken or chipped a tooth, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Doing this can prevent further damage and infection, and potentially save your tooth. Lowell Dental Arts offers restorative dentistry to create healthy, beautiful smiles. Call us today at 978-458-1114 to learn more.