Teeth are remarkably strong, but they can crack, chip or break. Common causes for broken or chipped teeth include having cavities that weaken the tooth, biting on something hard, falling among other causes. When a tooth breaks or chips, it may not hurt. However, if a large portion of the tooth has broken off, it can hurt, especially if the nerves inside the teeth are damaged. Extreme discomfort can also occur if the nerve endings in the dentin are exposed to cold foods or drinks, or air. Are damaged teeth causing you pain or discomfort? Here are some ways an experienced cosmetic dentist in Chicago can repair your damaged tooth.
Dental Filling or Dental Bonding
If only a small portion of the tooth enamel has chipped off, your cosmetic dentist may repair the damaged tooth with a filling. If the repair is to a front teeth that can be seen when you smile, the dentist will likely recommend a cosmetic dentistry procedure known as dental bonding. During a dental bonding procedure, the dentist will etch the surface of the damaged teeth with a special gel to roughen it and allow the bonding material to adhere to it. Next, the dentist will apply an adhesive material to the tooth, followed by the bonding material.
Root Canal Treatment
If there is a severe infection in the teeth, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. A root canal treatment involves removing the pulp from the inside of the teeth and replacing it with a filling. This form of dental treatment allows people to have a full mouth of teeth without noticing sensitivity or pain.
Dental Cap or Crown
If a large portion of teeth has broken off, or if the tooth has a lot of decay, your cosmetic dentist may grind away some part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a cap or crown. Permanent crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or all ceramic or all resin.
So, are damaged teeth causing you pain or discomfort? Visit an experienced dentist today to have your problem fixed permanently. For more information about the different ways, a dentist can treat teeth causing pain and discomfort, visit Chicago Dental Arts.
