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Chipping your tooth can be an upsetting occurrence; not only can it change the way your smile looks, it can also be painful and lead to further dental problems. The best thing to do when you realize you’ve chipped your tooth is go to the dentist right away to prevent further damage. Chipping, breaking, or cracking a tooth happens often—and for a variety of reasons—but you can rest assured an experienced cosmetic dentist like Wayde Fawcett, DDS can help you through every stage of the tooth repair process no matter how large or small your problem is.

The first step of treatment always involves an evaluation of the tooth to assess the severity of the damage. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Fawcett can discuss the forms of treatment that may be most suitable for fixing your tooth. When the damage to your tooth is minor, tooth-colored composite bonding material (which is also used to fill cavities) can often be used to replace the portion of the tooth that has chipped away. This technique is called cosmetic bonding, and when this method is performed by an experienced dentist, the results can look and feel natural. However, if you are interested in achieving the longest-lasting and most aesthetically pleasing results (usually for a prominently visible tooth), you may want to consider a custom porcelain veneer. A porcelain veneer fits over the front side of your tooth to conceal the chip with a thin shell of high-quality ceramic material that can be perfectly matched to blend with the surrounding teeth. Compared with cosmetic bonding, which can discolor over a matter of years, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and can last for decades with proper care.

If your tooth is badly chipped or broken, perhaps due to traumatic impact or weakened/unhealthy tooth structure, Dr. Fawcett may recommend a porcelain crown. A custom-designed crown can restore the full body, strength, structure, and appearance of the tooth by capping the remaining healthy portion (after it is prepared) with durable ceramic material designed for an optimal fit. A porcelain crown is typically the best option for protecting your injured tooth from further damage, reconstructing its natural appearance, and regaining full function of your tooth and bite. Dr. Fawcett can use 3D imaging technology and his CEREC^® machine to quickly design and fabricate a crown within one visit, if desired. With proper care and maintenance, high-quality crowns can last for decades.

If you need help with a chipped or otherwise damaged tooth, we encourage you to contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A. right away and schedule an appointment with Dr. Fawcett.