Tooth enamel can be fractured when sufficient, yet abnormal force is applied to a tooth. This could be the result of a sports injury or an incident that results in a blow to the mouth. At the same time something as simple as grinding your teeth while sleeping, or chewing on pencils and pens could also increase your chances of suffering a fractured tooth.
Even a minor dental fracture needs to be examined by a dentist before a cavity can develop in the compromised tooth enamel. If the dental fracture is minor and tooth decay has not yet developed, Dr. Samuel Richey might be able to repair the tooth by installing dental filling. This involves removing a small amount of additional tooth enamel and prepare a clean surface to bond the dental filling material.
A molar or premolar might be repaired with an amalgam dental filling. If the fracture occurred on a tooth that appears in your smile Dr. Richey might use a composite dental filling. This is a special type of dental resin that can be created to match the surrounding tooth enamel.
Once the dental filling material has been prepared and applied Dr. Richey will use a special ultraviolet light to harden it and secure the bond with the surrounding tooth enamel. If you live in the Riverton, Utah, area and you have a chipped tooth, you should call 801-446-6310 to have it treated and repaired at Lighthouse Dental & Orthodontics.