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October 25, 2019Do you have a habit of opening or tearing packages or other objects with your teeth? This, along with sports injuries, car accidents, and hard foods can lead to a broken tooth. Fortunately, your Grant Park dentist can help. Living with a broken tooth is often embarrassing and painful. To restore your smile and confidence, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers composite bonding, veneers, crowns, and dental implants as effective restorative solutions.
Dr. Lee and our team at Smiles 4 Grant Park offer compassionate dental care to enhance the health and appearance of your smile. Contact us today at 404-328-7177 to schedule an appointment to fix your broken tooth.
At your appointment, Dr. Lee will suggest one of these effective dental solutions:
Composite Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is a minimally invasive and low-cost procedure that is generally reserved for minor chips and cracks. Dr. Lee will use a composite resin to correct the tooth’s appearance.
The procedure will begin by using an etching liquid to prep the surface of your teeth. This step helps the composite material bond strongly to the tooth’s enamel. Next, she will artfully place and mold the resin to restore the tooth’s natural shape. The last step involves using a special light to harden the bonding material.
By taking proper care of your teeth, the composite bonding can last for several years or longer. If you haven’t kicked the habit of opening or tearing things with your teeth already, you should drop those habits once your tooth has been repaired.
Porcelain Veneers
For more major cosmetic breaks or chips, porcelain veneers are a great option. Veneers are a long-lasting, visually pleasing solution—which is why they are so popular with many Hollywood stars! In just two appointments, these porcelain shells are placed over your injured tooth to give you a natural-looking smile.
Dr. Lee will begin your first appointment by removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth. Next, she will take an impression of your teeth that will be sent to a ceramicist who will create your custom veneer.
During your second and final appointment at our dental practice, Dr. Lee will ensure that your new veneer is a perfect fit before using a strong bonding agent to place your veneer.
To keep your veneer intact for up to twenty years, maintain healthy oral hygiene habits, avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, and opening anything with your teeth.
Dental Crowns
If more than 50 percent of your tooth is damaged, Dr. Lee will likely suggest a dental crown. Unlike veneers, dental crowns cover your entire tooth. Depending on the position of the broken tooth, your preferences, and budget, crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold.
At your initial appointment, Dr. Lee will take various x-rays to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary restoration. She will then numb the injured tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic so she can begin repairing your tooth. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab where your crown will be created. Dr. Lee may provide you with a temporary crown until your next appointment.
At your second appointment, Dr. Lee will make sure your crown fits properly before making any final adjustments. The final step involves bonding the crown to your natural tooth. And just like that, you can begin enjoying your brand new, beautiful smile!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are recommended when the tooth is cracked near the gum line or if the damage has spread to the tooth root. The tooth root is replaced with a rod-like structure, and a dental crown, which replaces your lost tooth, is placed on top.
In order to place your dental implant, Dr. Lee will need to perform a complete examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone before extracting your natural tooth. Through a series of visits, Dr. Lee will completely replace the broken tooth. Learn more about the dental implant procedure here.
Although the process for dental implants is more extensive, the benefits are life-changing. These include:
- No diet restrictions
- Lasts a lifetime
- Easy maintenance
- Better oral health
- Natural look and feel
Contact Your Grant Park Dentist Today
Through a careful and thorough examination, Dr. Lee will decide which restorative solution is best for you. Don’t let a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth hurt your confidence any longer. Contact our friendly staff today at 404-328-7177 to schedule your appointment.