A chipped tooth is a major cause of self-esteem issues among Australians. This is especially the case today since Australians are increasingly becoming cautious with their appearance. Additionally, a cracked tooth affects more than appearance. For instance, the sharp edges can cut the delicate flesh in the mouth and also promote infections, tooth decay, and sensitivity. The good news is that dentists can take care of a chipped tooth easily, and here is how:

Dermal Bond Repair -- Chipped teeth vary in severity. Minor chips where a small bit of the tooth breaks off are generally easy to repair for dentists. However, it is common to ignore a minor chip, especially if it doesn't affect their day-to-day life. That said, the sharp edges of a minor chip can still cause injuries inside the mouth, especially on impact. For example, if you are an active sportsperson and you accidentally get knocked on the mouth, the chipped tooth can slice your tongue and cause significant bleeding. Visiting a dentist can prevent that from happening. Dentists repair minor chips by filling them with a dermal bond that matches your teeth. The procedure doesn't take long, and chances are that you will not need subsequent follow-up appointments with your dentist either. 

Dental Cap or Crown -- If a significant portion of the tooth chips or breaks off, then the stakes are much higher. Usually, severe tooth chipping requires immediate attention for various reasons. First, the chip can damage the pulp, which is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Second, significant chipping can cause excruciating pain, and often time requires strong painkillers to contain the pain. Lastly, the large gap left behind offers a haven for bacteria, which can lead to infections. Therefore, for severe chipping, an immediate dentist appointment is necessary. The dentist has to file away the remaining tooth before covering it with a tooth-shaped crown or cap. The tooth covers can be made from metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic. 

Dental Veneers -- Chipped front tooth is best-taken care of with a dental veneer. This is a thin shell of resin that covers the tooth, just like a fake nail covers a fingernail. The dentist first grinds a portion of the enamel from the tooth and then makes an impression of the tooth. The image is then sent to a laboratory to make the veneer. Once the veneer is ready, the dentist will etch the surface of the chipped tooth to roughen it and attach the veneer using special cement. A special light is then applied to activate the cement, thus making it harden faster. Contact a dentist near you in order to learn more.

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