A chipped tooth may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but if left untreated a chipped tooth can cause significant dental problems. Chipped teeth are more susceptible to breaking or becoming infected, potentially leading to tooth loss or more serious health consequences. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to see your dentist to have it fixed right away.  Fortunately, modern dental technology offers a range of different solutions for repairing a chipped or broken tooth, depending on the extent of the damage. Here’s what you need to know. 

 

What causes chipped teeth and broken teeth?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It’s about as hard or harder than steel. But teeth are still vulnerable to chipping and fracturing.  Some of the main causes of chipped teeth and broken teeth include: 

  • Biting hard objects
  • Chewing ice or hard candy 
  • Trauma from a fall, accident, or collision 
  • Teeth grinding
  • Teeth clenching
  • Tooth decay 
  • Large fillings that weaken tooth structure. If you chip or break a tooth, the sooner you can get in to see the dentist to have it fixed, the better.

 

Solutions for repairing chipped tooth or broken tooth

When a tooth breaks, most people understand the urgency of getting to the dentist. But when it comes to chipped teeth, many people believe it’s just a cosmetic issue that can wait until the next scheduled visit. The truth is, broken teeth and chipped teeth need to be addressed right away, even if they’re not causing any pain. Chips and fractures weaken teeth and make them more vulnerable to further damage. Chips and cracks also put your teeth at a higher risk of becoming infected, as bacteria may be able enter through the damaged area. The solution for a chipped or broken tooth will depend on the extent of the damage and where it is located.  Here are the four most common solutions for repairing chipped teeth and broken teeth. 

 

  • Dental filling or bonding

For small chips, dental filling or dental bonding can be used to repair the tooth. For teeth that are not in the “smile zone,” dental filling may be sufficient for making the repair and restoring tooth function. Dental bonding, which involves the use of a composite resin to rebuild the tooth, is usually a better choice for teeth that are visible when smiling. The bonding material is matched to your natural teeth for a pleasing appearance. 

 

  • Dental veneers

For a minor front tooth fracture, a dental veneer may be more appropriate. A dental veneer is a wafer-thin porcelain shell that repairs the chip or crack by covering the surface of the tooth. Veneers are custom-made to fit your tooth and match the surrounding teeth. Depending on the type of dental veneer used, some tooth preparation may be required in order to ensure a seamless fit.  

 

  • Dental crown

Dental crowns are used to correct more severe fractures and larger missing pieces.  Dental crowns are essentially caps that cover the tooth, all the way to the gum line, restoring function while also protecting the tooth from further damage. Some tooth preparation is usually needed to make room for the crown and ensure a proper fit. Crowns are custom-made to look just like your natural teeth. 

 

  • Root canal therapy

If a crack in a tooth exposes the pulp or if the removal of decay will expose the nerve, a root canal in Mexico may be the best option for saving the tooth and restoring function.  Root canal therapy involves removing the pulp, and cleaning out the canal. Once that’s done, the canal is then filled and sealed, and in most cases, a crown is then placed over the broken tooth.    

Whether you have a small chip in your tooth or a more severe broken tooth, BioDental Care can help. We offer all of the above tooth restoration solutions, as well as a wide range of other dental services. At BioDental Care, we’re committed to providing every patient with the highest quality dental care in Mexico, for a fraction of what you’ll pay in the United States.  

 

Chipped and broken tooth repair in Mexico at BioDental Care

At BioDental Care, your health, comfort, and safety are our priorities, and we’re committed to providing you with the best dental experience possible. If you have a chipped tooth or a broken tooth, we’ll perform a full evaluation and examination and present you with the best options for restoring your smile. Because we are located in Tijuana, we can offer the highest-quality products and services at a much lower cost than U.S. – based dentists. For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 619-754-8508.