A chipped tooth can be both unattractive and uncomfortable. Depending on the severity, it can be downright painful. How do you fix a chipped tooth? LIFESmiles, a family and cosmetic dentist in Boise, ID, can make it look as if the chip was never there.

What are my Options to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Your dentist will provide you several options to fix a chipped tooth based on the severity of the chip or break. These include:

Dental Bonding

If it’s a small chip, dental bonding is the easiest way to do a quick fix. It’s done in one office visit. The bonding material is put on the tooth and shaped to match the shape of it. Once the dentist is done making sure it matches, ultraviolet light is used to cure the material. Once that’s done, you’re good as new!

Porcelain Veneers in Boise, ID

Porcelain veneers are the next step up. This thin slip of porcelain goes over the existing tooth to make it like new. These are mainly used for front teeth. If this option is selected, the dentist will make a veneer that’s custom to the fit of your tooth. You may have to wait a couple of weeks while it’s made, but it’s then applied with special cement. It’s color-matched to your existing teeth so no one will even be able to tell.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are for the most severe cases. If you’ve lost a large chunk of your tooth, the dentist may recommend dental crowns. For these, the dentist will file down the remaining part of your tooth, and place a cap over it. This crown will protect the remaining tooth and let you keep functionality.

In some cases, the tooth may be damaged so badly that the pulp of the tooth is exposed. This can lead to infection. If that happens, the dentist will have to perform a root canal to remove any damaged pulp before putting the dental crown on.

Due to CEREC technology, our office is pleased to offer some of the fastest dental crowns in Boise, ID. A process that used to take weeks can now be done in a day. A 3D scan is taken in the office, and digital impressions of your teeth are used to develop the dental crown. It only takes one office visit!

Cosmetic Dentistry

Whether you choose dental crowns or porcelain veneers, Dr. Kaplan is here for your cosmetic dentistry needs. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, call us or request an appointment online so we can get you in ASAP. If that chipped tooth has some sharp edges, put wax on so you don’t cut your tongue or cheek as well!