Ways to address a chipped or cracked tooth
Dr. Colby Eckland and his team at Redmond Smiles work with patients to restore and repair teeth that might be fractured, chipped, or cracked. However, there is more than one way to do so. Let’s look at restorative dental procedures designed to repair patients’ smiles in and around the Redmond, Washington, area.
What are some ways to address a chipped or cracked tooth?
There are several ways to address a damaged tooth, depending on the damage’s significance and the tooth’s location in the smile. These methods might include cosmetic and restorative solutions such as:
- Dental bonding is a common treatment option for minor chips or cracks in teeth. It uses tooth-colored resin to fill in the damaged area and restore the tooth’s natural appearance.
- Porcelain veneers. For more severe cases, porcelain veneers are often used to cover up any chips or cracks in teeth. These thin shells are custom-made to sit over the tooth’s front surface and provide a natural-looking solution.
- Dental crowns. A dental crown is a custom-fabricated cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and might be required to preserve and repair a severely damaged tooth.
- Root canal treatment. If a cracked or chipped tooth also has an infected pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infection and save the natural tooth from further damage.
- Tooth extraction. In more severe cases where the damage is too extensive, it may be best to extract and replace the damaged tooth using a dental implant or bridge.
How can I prevent damage to my smile and avoid fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth?
In addition to the above treatments to address broken teeth, there are also steps you can take at your home to prevent further damage and maintain good oral health:
- Avoid biting or chewing on extremely hard or sturdy objects such as ice, pens, or hard candies
- Wear a quality mouthguard during high-contact sports or any activities that can put your teeth at risk for damage
- Practice good oral hygiene habits and routines, including brushing the teeth twice each day and flossing daily to keep teeth strong and healthy
- Visit Dr. Eckland regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings to find any potential problems early on
- Consider dietary changes to reduce the risk of tooth decay and strengthen enamel, such as limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
What should I do if I have a damaged tooth?
If you experience a chipped or cracked tooth, it is essential that you seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent any further complications. Dr. Eckland and his team can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to restore your smile. Ignoring a damaged natural adult tooth can lead to more significant problems, so do not hesitate to schedule an upcoming appointment with your dentist at Redmond Smiles!
Who can I call in the Redmond, Washington area to discuss treatment of chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth?
Remember that a healthy smile is a happy smile! So be proactive in caring for your teeth and seek professional help. Your smile will thank you in the long run! Our office is located conveniently at 15965 NE 85th Street, Suite 201, and can be contacted by telephone at (425) 584-1192 to request an upcoming consultation appointment and initial evaluation with our team.
