What will they do to my tooth?

Question

Ok...well, a couple months ago i fell and had to get stitches on my chin and well, i chipped a tooth..it's not too to bad and it hasn't hurt yet although I know it'll need fixed..the chip kinda goes on a slant too.what do you think the dentist will do..I've heard different things...i guess i would like to know what i'm getting into cause this is the first time i've had any serious dental work and i'm kind of nervous

Answer 1

If the chip is small, they may be able to just do a bonded filling there.  This is very easy, involves minimal tooth preparation, and you often don't even need anesthetic.

If the chip is larger, you may need a crown or veneer.  These take 2 appointments, and you probably would need to be anesthetized.  A crown is when the entire tooth is reduced and a crown the size of your normal tooth is cemented over the top.  A veneer involves reducing the facing of the tooth, and a porcelain facing is cemented over the front (which would be the normal size).

Anytime you have trauma to a tooth, you may end up needing a root canal either now or in the future.  Trauma can cause nerve damage that may not show up for years.  Just fyi.

The links below have further explanations and pictures if you're interested.