A chipped tooth can happen unexpectedly, like biting down on something hard, during sports activities, or even grinding your teeth at night. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, chips can create sharp edges that irritate your tongue and cheeks and may leave the inner tooth structure vulnerable to infection and further damage. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we offer several effective repair options to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, at Newport Beach Dental Center combines biomimetic dentistry principles with modern techniques to provide minimally invasive chipped tooth repair in Newport Beach, CA. Our methods focus on preserving your natural tooth structure as much as possible while ensuring long-lasting, beautiful results.
The American Dental Association estimates that approximately 80% of adults over 40 will develop at least one cracked tooth. But not all tooth chips are created equal. From minor chips to deeper pulp damage, the severity of your chip determines the approach we take to treating your injured tooth. Dr. Sharbash will perform an extensive examination of your chipped tooth to recommend the best course of action for treatment.
Minor chips affect only the enamel layer of your tooth. Though they may not cause pain, these chips can create sharp edges and affect your smile’s appearance. We can typically fix minor chips in a single visit using dental bonding to create a seamless blend with your natural tooth.
Moderate chips may extend deeper into the tooth, potentially affecting the dentin layer beneath the enamel. These chips might cause sensitivity to temperature changes or sweets and require more comprehensive treatment. You might experience discomfort when eating or drinking, which signals that the chip has compromised more of your tooth structure.
Severe chips expose the inner pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. These chips often cause significant pain and sensitivity and may require more extensive treatment to save the tooth and prevent infection. If you’re experiencing persistent pain from a chipped tooth, seeking immediate dental care is critical to prevent complications and preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we offer several effective solutions to repair chipped teeth, including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, and root canal therapy.
Dental bonding provides an excellent, conservative solution for minor to moderate chips. During this procedure:
Bonding typically takes 30-60 minutes per tooth and can last 5-7 years with proper care. This option is quick and preserves more of your natural tooth structure compared to other therapies.
Porcelain veneers offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for more visible chips on front teeth. These thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are custom-designed to cover the front surface of damaged teeth. The veneer process usually requires two visits: one for preparation and impressions and another for placement. With quality care, veneers can last 10-15 years while providing a beautiful, natural appearance.
If your chip is substantial, a crown may be the most appropriate treatment option for chipped tooth repair in Newport Beach, CA. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over the entire visible portion of your tooth. This repairs the chip and strengthens the tooth to prevent further damage. Our biomimetic approach preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible while ensuring the crown provides excellent protection and functions like your natural tooth.
If a severe chip exposes the pulp inside of your tooth, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause infection. Root canal therapy may be needed to remove infected tissue, relieve pain, and save the tooth from extraction. Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal procedures are comfortable and efficient thanks to advanced techniques and anesthetics. After a root canal, we typically place a crown to safeguard and strengthen the affected tooth.
While we’re experts at repairing chipped teeth, we’d prefer to help you avoid them altogether. Here are some preventive measures we recommend to save your natural smile:
A proactive approach to dental care helps maintain your teeth’s integrity and reduces the risk of chips and other dental problems. Regular dental visits allow us to track your oral health and resolve potential issues before they lead to tooth damage.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we practice biomimetic dentistry, which means we mimic nature in our dental restorations. This approach offers significant benefits for chipped tooth repairs, including:
By following biomimetic principles, we can repair your chipped tooth in a way that works harmoniously with your natural dental anatomy, ensuring both immediate improvement and long-term oral health.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash brings extensive expertise to every chipped tooth repair. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), she has completed over 500 continuing education credit hours and passed rigorous exams equivalent to board certification – a distinction earned by less than 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada.
Don’t let a chipped tooth affect your confidence or oral health. Contact us today at (949) 760-9212 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment and explore your repair options.
1441 Avocado Ave, Ste 606 Newport Beach, CA 92660
