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What Are My Options To Repair A Chipped Tooth?

Allison Gibbons • March 26, 2023


If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to treat it immediately. Not only can the damage lead to pain and infection but it can also make your smile look less attractive. Fortunately, there are several options for treating a chipped or broken tooth: 


Dental Bonding:  This is a quick procedure that can be completed in one visit. A dentist will apply a composite resin material to the damaged tooth and shape it as needed to fill in the chip or break. This process is relatively painless and cost-effective.


Porcelain Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells that your dentist will bond to the front of your teeth. They can be used to restore teeth that have chips or breaks or simply improve the look of your smile. This process is much more durable than dental bonding and can last for many years with proper care.


Dental Crowns: A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. A crown can be used to repair large chips or breaks, improve the strength and function of the tooth, and protect it against further wear and tear. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and metal.


Root Canals: If the chip or break has extended into the inner layer of your tooth, a root canal may be necessary. During this procedure, a dentist will remove the damaged tissue and replace it with a dental filling material to keep the remaining tooth structure safe.


Dental Implants: In cases where the damage is so severe that the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant may be an option. This involves surgically placing a metal post into your jawbone to serve as a replacement for the root of your missing tooth. A crown or other type of restoration can then be placed on top of the post for a natural-looking smile.


No matter which option you choose to fix your chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to discuss all the available options with your dentist so that you can make an informed decision. Once you’ve chosen the best procedure for restoring your smile, follow instructions closely to ensure the best results and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, you can get your smile back in shape quickly and painlessly! 


We cannot stress enough that a blog article is not a diagnosis. Each case needs to be handled by a Pittsburgh dental professional.


Keep Your Teeth Healthy by Scheduling an Appointment Today! 

 

Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Taking good care of your teeth can help prevent future chips and breaks, so you can keep smiling confidently! Contact Gregory S. Peterson, DMD & Associates, today to schedule your next dental appointment!

young man with a teeth whitening strip on his teeth

What Are My Options For Teeth Whitening?

By Allison Gibbons • April 24, 2023
If you want to restore your smile through a teeth whitening process, check out some of the options that are available to you at Gregory Peterson Dental. Our expert dentists are ready to help! Call today!
dental implants with crowns

How Can Dental Implants Restore My Smile?

By Allison Gibbons • February 23, 2023
Find out how dental implants can give you the smile that you used to have, or never had! Get your smile back! Call today!

A Few Ways The Holidays Are Bad For Your Teeth

By Allison Gibbons • December 21, 2022
The holidays are a time for indulgence and celebration, but unseemly holiday food choices can take a toll on your teeth. This season of sweets and treats makes it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene habits. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your dentist in the Pittsburgh area would like to remind you that excess sugar and poor nutrition can have a long-term impact on oral health. Lots of Sweets During Holiday Celebrations Sugar-filled goodies like candy canes, peppermint bark, and taffy can cause cavities; sticky candy takes longer to wash away from teeth while bacteria feed off the sugar and release acid that weakens tooth enamel. Soda, fruit juices, and single-serve wines also have high sugar content. Swapping sugary snacks for nuts or cheese can help reduce cavities. Lots of Snacking Throughout the Day Snacking is a favorite holiday tradition, but like anything else done in excess, grazing on snacks throughout the day can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Snacks like chips, cookies, and crackers are high in carbohydrates, which produce an acid that weakens the teeth’s enamel. When snacking consistently throughout the day, your mouth doesn't get the chance to clean the bacteria off your teeth, which can lead to issues such as cavities. Increase in Alcohol Consumption Alcohol consumption is common during the holidays, but it can be damaging to teeth. Beer and wine contain sugars that turn into acids that weaken tooth enamel, while dark drinks like whiskey or Merlot can stain teeth. Combining hard liquor with sugary mixers does double the damage. Changes in Your Oral Care Routine When traveling, it can be easy to fall out of your normal oral care habits. You may be staying up late and forgetting to brush your teeth, or you may even forget your toothbrush, being left without proper oral care for a day. Be sure to remain in your regular routine, brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth out after meals to help combat common holiday threats to your teeth. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your top dentist office in Upper St. Clair , we encourage our patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits during the holidays and all year round. If you’re looking for a dentist in Pittsburgh, call us today to schedule an appointment!

When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants

By Allison Gibbons • November 30, 2022
When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a great option for someone who is looking to improve the function and appearance of their smile. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, full mouth dental implants area great cosmetic dentistry option that can provide you with a stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a type of dental prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which are placed on top of the gums, full mouth dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone. This provides a more stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are the Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants? There are many benefits associated with full mouth dental implants, including: -Improved function: Full mouth dental implants allow you to bite and chew just like natural teeth. -Improved appearance: Full mouth dental implants look just like natural teeth and can be color matched to your existing teeth. -Improved oral health: Full mouth dental implants do not require special care and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. -Improved self-esteem: Full mouth dental implants can restore your smile and give you back your confidence. Am I Good Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants? Most healthy adults are good candidates for full mouth dental implants. However, there are some factors that may make you a less-than-ideal candidate, such as: You have diabetes or another chronic illness that affects healing You have had radiation therapy to the head or neck area You have inadequate bone density You use tobacco products If you are considering full mouth dental implants, it is important to consult with an experienced implant dentist to see if you are a good candidate. What is the Procedure for Full Mouth Dental Implants? The procedure for full mouth dental implants typically takes place over the course of several months. The first step is to have a consultation with your implant dentist to discuss your treatment options. If you are a good candidate for full mouth dental implants, the next step is to have the implants placed. This is typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. After the implants are placed, you will need to wait for them to fuse to the bone, which can take several months. Once the implants are fused to the bone, you will then need to have the abutments placed. The abutments are small metal connectors that attach the implant to the artificial tooth. After the abutments are placed, you will need to wait for them to heal, which can take up to two weeks. Once they are healed, you will then be able to have your artificial teeth placed. Regain Your Smile Today! Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates can help you regain the confidence and function of a full smile with full mouth dental implants. Contact us today to get started!
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