Chipped Teeth in Coorparoo

Even the best cared for teeth can become chipped due to accidents. Teeth that are weakened by decay can also become chipped when biting hard, or chewy, food such as toffee. If a tooth becomes chipped you should contact your dentist straight away as chipped teeth are weaker and can cause discomfort in your mouth. Left untreated they can also develop more serious problems because the sensitive inner parts of the tooth may be exposed.

Small chips in your tooth enamel can often be fixed with one quick visit to the dentist. If a large part of your tooth has broken off, you may require more extensive treatment and more than one visit. Your dentist will be able to advise you about this upon examination.

A small chip to a tooth near the back of your mouth can often be repaired with a filling. A tooth-coloured composite material may be used, making the filling largely unnoticeable. Your dentist may also drill the tooth to remove any decay and to smooth the edges before the filling is placed. This can commonly be done in one visit.

If you have a small chip on your front teeth, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This is a tooth-coloured composite used to repair your tooth and which will be matched in colour as closely as possible to your natural teeth. Your dentist will apply a gel to the affected tooth, followed by an adhesive and then the bonding material. The material is then shaped to look like a natural tooth and hardened using ultraviolet light. This procedure can also commonly be done in a single visit.

If a large piece of tooth has broken away or when the natural tooth is very decayed a crown, or 'cap', can be the best option. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of your teeth and can be made from metal, porcelain or composite material. Metal crowns are the strongest and are better for back teeth. Porcelain crowns are the most realistic-looking and are better for teeth nearer the front of the mouth.

A composite filling material will be used to give your tooth added strength before the crown is placed on top. An impression is taken of your affected tooth and the corresponding tooth that bites down on it for your crown to be made. Your dentist may fit you with a temporary crown whilst your permanent crown is being made, which typically takes up to two weeks.

When a front tooth is chipped, dental veneers are often used to hide the damage. This is a quick and easy option to restore your smile.

Dental veneers are thin slivers of porcelain or composite resin material, which are placed over the entire front of your affected tooth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, and will take impressions of your tooth, which are sent to a laboratory for your veneers to be made. This can take from one to two weeks. Once your veneer is ready, your dentist will use a special bonding material to fit the veneer to your tooth

• Repair treatment will help make teeth stronger
• Reduces the danger of food getting stuck in gaps and cracks, which may cause more serious problems
• Help to create a smile you are proud to show off