04
Jun
Don’t worry; a chipped tooth can be fixed
As a dentist, one of my worst fears in life is to chip a front tooth. But, even if this were to happen, I know thanks to advances in modern dentistry, the calamity can be fixed with a variety of different options depending on the type of damage and the condition of the existing tooth structure.
The first thing we will do is take a radiograph of the tooth and root. Occasionally, the root and pulp (nerve) can be damaged depending on the severity of the trauma. However, most of the time, the dentist can fix a chip with more superficial solutions such as bondings, veneers or crowns.
Smaller chips can be fixed with a simple bonding. The composite material used has many color choices for the dentist to use to best match the natural shade of your tooth. If the chip is shallow enough, the dentist might not even need to numb the tooth. Bondings are very easy and conservative approaches for fixing the tooth. A limitation of bondings occurs when it is used at the very tip of the front tooth. Sometimes, this type of bonding can be easily dislodged.
A more dependable and better esthetic method of fixing a chip is with a veneer. A veneer requires a thin preparation on the front surface of the tooth. The veneer restoration is a beautiful porcelain façade that will be custom made to match the surrounding tooth shape and color.
If the tooth is more severely chipped a crown (cap) might be warranted. This restoration requires more tooth preparation than the other options, but the results create a beautiful porcelain tooth that is custom made to match the surrounding tooth shape and color.
Sometimes a previous bonding, veneer or crown is chipped. Depending on the severity and location of the chip, sometimes the defect can be patched with a bonding. However, if the requirements of the defect are greater than the adhesive abilities of a bonding or if the desired esthetics are not achievable with a bonding, then a new veneer or crown may be warranted.
With all of these options available, if ever you find yourself in this situation, know that it is not the end of the world; your dentist will be able to put your smile back together almost as good as new.
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Frank Moss, DDS
Dr. Frank Moss has been practicing dentistry in the Seminole community for over 30 years, making him one of the area’s preeminent experts. A graduate of the University of South Florida, he earned his DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Moss also served in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist for two years. Committed to staying at the forefront of his field, he continues his education rigorously and has earned a Fellowship designation from the Academy of General Dentistry.
Christopher Wujick, DMD
Dr. Christopher Wujick earned his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida and completed his DMD. at their College of Dentistry in 2004. A dedicated academic, he stays current with hundreds of hours in continuing education across all areas of dentistry. Dr. Wujick is a Past President of the Tampa Bay and Florida Academies of General Dentistry. An active member of the Pinellas County Dental Association, ADA, AGD, and Florida Dental Association, he has served the Pinellas County Health Department since 2005 and organized the Give Kids a Smile program for three years.
Dr. Jason Kopakin
Dr. Jason Kopakin is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and dental degree. He has advanced training and experience in implant restorations, Invisalign®, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Kopakin is a dedicated member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association. He also served as the past president of the Tampa Bay Academy of General Dentistry, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of dentistry.
Dr. Lester Castillo
Dr. Lester Castillo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from the University of South Florida and earned his dental degree from the University of Florida in 2019. He has completed advanced training with a focus on Implant Dentistry and incorporates digital dentistry into his practice. His specialties include prevention, crowns and bridges, dentures, root canals, fillings, extractions, and implants. Dr. Castillo is passionate about continuing education and has completed a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).