Posted

Have you chipped a tooth? Perhaps you were playing a game outside with friends or bit into a piece of hard candy, either way you now have a broken tooth. In order to ensure a healthy and attractive smile, you may benefit from restoration. How do you restore chipped teeth?

Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Chipped Teeth

Question: What should I do when I chip a tooth?

Answer: If you chip a tooth, don’t panic! First, see if you find and recover any pieces of the tooth. After calling the office, you may consider placing a cold compress on the side of the face to reduce swelling. A piece of gauze can be used to stem in bleeding. Then, come to our office as soon as possible.

Question: What are the risks of leaving a chipped tooth untreated?

Answer: If you don’t seek treatment for a damaged tooth, then the sensitive inner layers are exposed to harmful bacteria. Soon, your tooth can develop decay, which can quickly lead to a painful infection. To protect your health you need to seek treatment right away.

Question: How does dental bonding work?

Answer: In many cases, we use dental bonding to repair a chipped tooth. The process uses the same material we use for dental fillings. Composite resin looks natural and provides a strong finish. After applying the composite, we cure it with a light. As it cures, we can reshape and polish the tooth. The entire procedure can be completed in a single visit.

Question: Will I need a white restoration?

Answer: In some cases, we may recommend a white restoration instead of a dental filling. A crown works best for major chips, fitting over the tooth completely. The crown looks like natural and protects the remaining tooth structure from further damage.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.