If you have chipped a tooth, you know firsthand how easy it can be to damage your pearly whites. Whether you’ve chipped off a small corner of your tooth or a significant portion of it, you should consider visiting your dentist as soon as possible to find out if you need a dental crown in Douglasville, GA. In addition to fixing your tooth so you can have the best smile possible this summer, you also want to avoid infections, increased tooth sensitivity and other problems that a chipped tooth can cause.
What Happens When a Tooth Gets Chipped
There are a variety of things that can cause a tooth to break or chip that may require a dental crown. Some of the most common causes patients report include:
- Biting down on something hard
- Having untreated tooth decay that weakens the tooth structure
- Being hit in the mouth or face
- Having old amalgam fillings that don’t provide sufficient support to the remaining portion of the tooth
- Falling and hitting the face or mouth
When a tooth is chipped, it could allow food and bacteria to make its way into the tooth’s sensitive nerve structure. This is especially true if the chip is large. By having a dental crown placed it will help avoid compromising the health of your tooth. By getting a chipped tooth checked out right away your dentists, Dr. Ty James or Dr. Brice McMurphy in Douglasville, GA can determine whether or not you need a dental crown.
When a Dental Crown May Be Needed
If the tooth chip is very small, your dentist may simply polish the area to remove sharp edges. If the chip is larger, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth and restore its full function. A dental crown is a tooth-colored restoration that’s placed over the top of the tooth and cemented into place. It covers and fully encases the part of the tooth that extends above the gum line. Once placed, a dental crown looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have a chipped tooth in Douglasville, GA, dentists Dr. Ty James and Dr. Brice McMurphy would love to meet with you. To schedule a consultation, call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (678) 384-4880 or make an appointment online. Call today!