An oral trauma can result in a chipped or cracked tooth. Thankfully, modern dentistry allows for the restoration of damaged teeth. But can a chipped tooth be fixed in one visit, or will you require multiple appointments? In this article, we answer this question and discuss the main services for repairing chipped teeth.
Can a Chipped Tooth Be Fixed in One Visit?
A chipped tooth may be fixed in one visit; some techniques may require multiple visits. Let us look at the three main treatments for chipped teeth in more detail.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is commonly used to repair chipped and cracked teeth. During this procedure, your dentist will use a resin composite, the same material that is used for dental fillings. A resin composite is applied to the chipped tooth, then shaped to restore the tooth to its original appearance as closely as possible. Once the shape is satisfactory, the material is hardened with a special light and then polished.
The resin composite matches the color of our natural teeth, and the restoration is typically not conspicuous. This procedure is painless, often done in one dental visit, and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. However, it might take longer if an X-ray of the chipped tooth is needed.
Dental bonding typically lasts 5 to 7 years with proper care. Resin composite is a durable material, but it might be damaged if you are not careful. Also, resin composite can become discolored over time if you habitually consume staining foods and drinks, smoke, or have insufficient oral hygiene.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can be used as an alternative for bonding, especially if the chipped area is more extensive. Veneers are thin shells, most commonly made of porcelain, but also available in resin composite. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than composite veneers and can last for 10 to 15 years with proper care. To fit a veneer, the tooth has to be prepared by filing down some of its enamel. This process makes veneers an irreversible procedure.
Treating a chipped tooth with dental veneers typically requires at least two visits to a dental office. During the first visit, your doctor will prepare the tooth and take impressions or scans of it. Then your veneers will be custom-made and fitted during the second visit.
Root Canal Therapy and Dental Crown
Root canal therapy can be used to treat a chipped tooth when the injury exposes the inner dentin. During this procedure, your doctor will clean the tooth’s canals and fill them with a special biocompatible material. After, a dental crown is placed to restore the tooth’s original appearance and function. Root canal therapy typically takes around 60 minutes.
In most cases, root canal therapy is performed in one visit, followed by a temporary crown. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will be scheduled for a second visit to have it placed.
Porcelain, porcelain-fired-to-metal, and zirconia crowns can last up to 15 years with proper care, while resin-composite crowns typically last for 5 to 7 years before they have to be replaced.
Fix a Chipped Tooth at The Smile Artists LA
If you sustained oral trauma and have a chipped tooth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at The Smile Artists LA. Remember that if you experience pain or bleeding, you require an emergency dental appointment. We are looking forward to helping you restore your oral health.
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