Fix Chipped Teeth Without Waiting

Most of us have had the terrible feeling of passing tongue over tooth, and suddenly realizing that tooth was missing something. Whether dental work chipped or natural enamel gave way, the common reaction is to seek immediate treatment. Repairing a chipped tooth doesn’t necessarily require complex treatment or waiting time. In fact, with dental bonding, you could see the problem repaired within just one appointment.

Is Dental Bonding Right for My Damaged Tooth?

After a tooth is affected by physical damage, you should see a dentist right away. There’s no way of knowing (on your own) whether the problem is superficial, or whether there’s a deeper problem. If the blow affected more than the external enamel layer of the tooth, then you will likely need more involved restorative treatment. But if only the enamel was compromised, then bonding could be a wonderful, fast fix.

If you have experienced any kind of dental emergency, it’s imperative that you contact us right away. You could be at risk of greater damage (or even tooth loss) if you hesitate. If pieces of your tooth broke off, save them and bring them to your appointment. If you’re in pain, ice the area, rinse with salt water, and take an over-the-counter painkiller. If your jaw has been harmed or dislocated, then you should go to the emergency room immediately. For other tips on handling dental emergencies, check out this guide.

How Tooth Bonding Works

If your tooth is eligible for bonding, then the procedure will consist of the following steps.

1. An etching gel is applied to the chipped area of the tooth. This gel creates tiny grooves in the enamel. These make it easier for the bonding piece to adhere to tooth’s surface.
2. Dr. Singh checks your teeth against a color guide, choosing the shade of composite that will match perfectly.
3. The dental resin is shaped over the chip, covering the flaw. The resin is malleable and similar to putty, and is easy to work with. You may not require anesthesia in order to undergo bonding.
4. Dr. Singh reshapes the bonding as needed, ensuring that it fits within your bite. Multiple layers of the bonding material may be applied, making the dental work bond to the tooth and harden as intended.
5. An ultraviolet light hardens the resin, working quickly – each layer will be solid within minutes.
6. After the material has hardened, Dr. Singh checks to make sure that it works within your bite, and doesn’t change the way your teeth fit together. He will likely do a bit more trimming and shaping.
7. The dental composite is polished until it looks as lustrous as the rest of your smile.
8. The entire procedure takes 30 minutes to one hour per tooth.
9. After the procedure, you will need to take some temporary precautions to keep the resin white and undisturbed. For the 48 hours after treatment, you should avoid dark, acidic foods, as well as tobacco.
10. As with every type of dental work, you should follow up by cleaning your teeth thoroughly and consistently. Brush and floss properly and twice daily.

Experiencing a Dental Emergency?

Get in touch with our office as soon as you can. Depending on your emergency, saving time could be crucial. We’ll evaluate your teeth and decide on the best possible course of action. If dental bonding is the right treatment, we’ll be able to repair your tooth on the same day, getting you back to life as usual with your perfect smile in place.