Our teeth are pretty strong. In fact, the enamel coating them is the hardest substance in the human body. But that doesn’t mean injury is impossible. What should you do if you chip a tooth? For Gary, IN, residents, we have a one visit solution to damaged teeth. Let’s talk about the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding and contouring.

Chipped Teeth and Tooth Decay

A chipped tooth could occur on the court, or as a result of biting down on a hard piece of food. Even if the damage appears minor, the injury could expose the dentin, the sensitive layers of tooth structure, to harmful bacteria. Once this occurs, tooth decay forms, further harming your overall oral health. You then experience toothaches and a greater risk of dental infection. When you chip a tooth, try to recover any pieces of the tooth you can and bring them with you. Even if this isn’t possible, proceed to our office. You may want to apply a cold compress against the side of the face to reduce swelling and use a piece of cloth or gauze to stem any bleeding. Once you arrive, we will choose the best option for repairing your tooth.

Dental Bonding and Contouring

With dental bonding, we start by removing any decay and cleaning the tooth. We then prepare the composite resin we use in the procedure. As part of the preparation, we will shade the material to better blend with your tooth. We apply the material in several layers. As the bonding material cures under a light, the dentist will sculpt and mold your tooth. Once completed, we polish the tooth for a lifelike appearance. In a single visit, we can fix a chipped tooth. We also use this option to mask permanent teeth stains and close gaps between the teeth.

We also address minor damage with a contouring procedure. Like bonding, this can be completed in a single visit. However, instead of adding to the tooth, we gently buff away tooth structure to reshape the tooth, correcting the damage. We also dull pointed teeth and remove any embarrassing pits or grooves in the tooth’s surface. In some cases, we may perform both procedures in the same visit. If your damage appears more substantial, then we may instead opt for a dental veneer or a crown to address the damage. If you have any questions about our cosmetic solutions to chipped teeth, then contact our team today.

Have You Chipped a Tooth?

Let’s talk about possible solutions for you damaged teeth. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.