How to Repair Chipped Teeth | Dentists in Stafford

Chipping a tooth can be a distressing experience, but the good news is that modern dentistry offers effective solutions to restore your smile.

Whether the chip is minor or more significant, prompt action can prevent further damage and help you regain your confidence. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to repair chipped teeth.

Chipped teeth are fairly common, but there are solutions to repair this.

How are teeth chipped?

Teeth can chip for any number of reasons. Common causes include:

• biting down on hard substances, like ice or hard candy
• falls or car accidents
• playing contact sports without a mouthguard
• grinding your teeth when you sleep

Risk Factors for chipped teeth

• Lack of calcium: Calcium is the main component in strong and healthy teeth. If you don’t have enough, your teeth get softer and more susceptible to chips, cracks, and breaks.
• Tooth decay: Cavities eat away at your enamel. It’s crucial to turn to a dentist if you have cavities.
• Grinding your teeth: Tooth grinding or bruxism can wear down the enamel of your teeth over time.
• Eating acidic foods: Fruit juices, coffee, and spicy foods break down your enamel quicker.
• Acid reflux or heartburn: These digestive problems can bring stomach acid up to your mouth, which can weaken your teeth.
• Age: Your teeth inevitably wear down over time. If you’re over 50, pay special attention to cracks and chips in your teeth.

How can I repair my chipped teeth?

1. Assess the Damage: Examine the chipped tooth to determine the extent of the damage. If the chip is minor and doesn't cause pain, it might not require immediate attention. However, larger chips, especially those that expose the inner layers of the tooth, should be addressed promptly.

2. Rinse and Protect: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. To alleviate pain and protect the tooth, you can place dental wax or sugar-free gum over the chipped area until you can see a dentist.

3. Schedule a Dental Appointment: Regardless of the chip's size, it's crucial to visit a Stafford Dentist as soon as possible. A dental professional will assess the damage, recommend the appropriate treatment, and ensure that the tooth's nerve isn't compromised.

4. Treatment Options: The dentist will discuss suitable options based on the severity of the chip. For minor chips, dental bonding or reshaping might be sufficient. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the chipped area and shaping it to match your tooth's natural contours. For more extensive damage, a dental crown might be recommended to cover and protect the tooth.

5. Porcelain Veneers: In cases where the chip affects the front teeth, porcelain veneers can provide a cosmetic solution. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance and strength.

6. Root Canal Treatment: If the chip reaches the tooth's pulp, a root canal procedure might be necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent further complications.

7. Follow Dental Hygiene: After the repair, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Avoid biting into hard objects and foods to prevent future chipping.

How Church Lane Dental Stafford Can Help?

At Church Lane Dental Stafford, we can repair your chipped teeth. We do this by placing a white composite filling to repair a chipped tooth. We can also place veneers or crowns if the damage is extensive. All procedures work well and are painless. We always discuss procedures in depth so there are no surprises, and our trained professionals can put you at ease.

If you are based in Stafford, Stoke, Stone or Wolverhampton, we can arrange an appointment to assess and repair your chipped teeth and provide personalised advice on what measures to take in the future.