Chipped Teeth

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

Like many dental problems that at first appear cosmetic, chipped teeth can later lead to serious damage if left untreated.

In some instances, a chipped tooth may barely be noticeable. In others, chipped teeth can harm the structure of the tooth and expose underlying nerves, causing severe pain. Chipped teeth can also cause discoloration and, depending on the extent of the break, tooth decay.

Sierra Dental Care offers a wide range of options for repairing chipped teeth, and an appointment with one of our experienced Modesto dentists can determine which option is best for you.

Causes of Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth can be caused by any number of long-term or blunt-force traumas including:

• Tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Bad dental habits such as ice chewing or nail biting
• Biting awkwardly into a hard object such as candy
• Sports injury or accident
• Bite condition
• Cavities
• Tooth decay

Fortunately, there are nearly as many options available for correcting your chipped teeth.

Chipped Teeth Treatment Options

If the damage to your chipped tooth or chipped teeth is relatively minor, tooth bonding (also called dental bonding) may provide the best fix. Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored dental resin to repair the chip and blend with the surface of your teeth.

Another solution for more cosmetic chips—especially ones that may have become discolored—is the use of Lumineers, which are similar to porcelain veneers. Lumineers are thin, custom-fit pieces of porcelain that are affixed to the front of your teeth, concealing the chip and protecting the integrity of your tooth’s surface.

If your chipped teeth have sustained breaks or structural damage, teeth crowns (or dental crowns) may be necessary. A crown is custom-made to fit over your remaining tooth. Dental crowns are shaped and function like your natural teeth.

If you have a chipped tooth or chipped teeth and would like to schedule an appointment to determine what treatment option is best for you, please contact the experienced Modesto dentists at Sierra Dental Care. Sierra Dental Care provides quality general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the Modesto, Ripon, Ceres, Salida, Turlock, and Manteca, California, areas.