Tooth enamel is made from a complex matrix of dense mineral crystals. This helps your teeth to resist the development of tooth decay. However, when a tooth is chipped or fractures, the increased surface area and minute textures created in the tooth’s enamel layer can cause significant problems.
If you don’t have the fractured tooth examined the treated by a qualified dentist like Dr. David S. Peterson the damaged tooth enamel could start to trap plaque and other bacterial deposits. In time a large area of tooth decay could start to develop deep in the already compromised tooth.
If it’s caught before tooth decay develops Dr. David S. Peterson might be able to repair the tooth with a basic dental filling. This involves using a drill to remove all the compromised tooth enamel and prepare a clean surface. The material that Dr. David S. Peterson advocates for the dental filling will be determined by the chips location and the tooth’s visibility in your smile.
Since amalgam dental fillings are made from a relatively dark metal, they are a poor choice for repairing a chipped tooth that appears in your smile. In a case like this a composite dental filling is the preferred option for repairing the dental fracture. This is a special type of dental resin material that can be shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel.
Once the dental filling material has been shaded and applied Dr. David S. Peterson will use a special ultraviolet light to harden it and secure the bond with the surrounding tooth enamel. If you live in the Sandy, Utah, area and you have a chipped tooth, you should call 801-278-4787 to have it treated and repaired at The Dental Studio.