Case Study: Chipped Teeth & Fillings

Repairing Chipped Teeth with Fillings in Eureka

This man in his early 50s came to see me because he was concerned about the appearance of his lower front teeth. They were quite visible when he was speaking and he was concerned about how it was affecting his job with sales. He had some old fillings present with severe stains as well as slight wear and chipping from grinding his teeth. We removed the old fillings and replaced them with new fillings that matched the tooth much better, as well as repaired the chipped portions of the teeth. We were all happy with the final result.

Chipped Teeth & Dental Fillings Pre-Op

teeth before filling implants

Chipped Teeth & Dental Fillings Post-Op

teeth after fillings were implanted

What to Do if You Chip a Tooth

Although your tooth’s enamel is one of the strongest tissues in your body, it is still vulnerable to chips and breaks. Certain situations can cause damage to your teeth, such as falls, blows to the face, biting on hard foods, and opening packaging with your mouth. Additionally, cavities and tooth decay, having acid reflux, eating significant amounts of sugary or acidic foods, and aging can weaken enamel.

After you have chipped or broken a tooth, it’s imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The same bacteria that causes tooth decay can fill the exposed area and create further damage if left untreated. It is likely that you will experience some pain and sensitivity, so there are a few steps you can take to maintain your comfort levels in the meantime:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to cleanse the area and reduce pain
  • Compress the outside of your mouth with an ice pack to lessen swelling
  • Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to manage pain
  • Place temporary dental wax or cement over the affected area to protect from bacteria

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

One of the most common procedures dentists perform for chipped teeth is fillings. Dental fillings are artificial substances that fill in the holes or gaps created by tooth decay or broken teeth. They are crucial for restoring the shape and stability of the tooth for ease of chewing and preventing further damage. Several types of materials are used for fillings, depending upon the extent of damage, location, and any allergies present. A few options include:

  • Gold
  • Amalgam (silver)
  • Composite
  • Porcelain
  • Nickel alloys

The first step your dentist takes in performing the procedure is injecting a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the tooth and surrounding structures are numbed, your affected tooth will be inspected and the type of filling will be determined. If tooth decay is present, your dentist will use a drill to cut through the enamel and remove the cavity.

After decay is removed, your dentist will shape the space to prepare for the filling. Additionally, a base or liner might be placed to protect the tooth’s pulp (where nerves are located). Then, the filling material will be inserted and hardened by a special blue light. Once the filling is placed and the dentist polishes the tooth, you will be asked to bite down to determine comfort levels.

Chipped a Tooth? Contact Eureka Dental Group Today

Having a chipped or broken tooth can be painful and worrisome. However, the instance is more common than you might think, and the procedure will fully restore the affected area in little time. Dr. Wehrmeister and Dr. G’Sell are seasoned experts and have performed numerous filling procedures for their patients, so rest assured that you are in good hands when you visit our Eureka office.

At Eureka Dental Group, we take pride in our high quality dental services for every member of the family. Regardless of age, past experiences, and level of dental hygiene, our patients trust us to perform routine cleanings, x-rays, and more. If you have chipped or broken a tooth and require dental assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (636) 938-7827 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment.