A chipped tooth can occur from traumatic as well as banal sources. Something as simple as biting your nails, grinding your teeth, or using your teeth as tools can potentially chip a tooth. Even if it doesn’t cause heightened sensitivity, the damage in the enamel layer can still pose future complications. The hard-to-clean area could gradually start to trap residual food matter and bacteria. As time goes on, a new and dangerously deep cavity could form in the previously healthy tooth.

Small chips in non-essential locations can sometimes be repaired at Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC with a standard filling. However, a large chip might require a total crown restoration.

This is typically a two-phase treatment that starts with Dr. James Gunelson numbing the area before removing the entire tooth enamel layer. This leaves behind an abutment containing the dentin, pulp, and root of the tooth.

A detailed impression will be made of the area to serve as a guide for a dental lab technician who will custom make your new crown. At the end of the appointment, a temporary crown that is made from hard plastic will be secured over the abutment to protect it.

When your new crown is ready, we will call you back in to have the temporary crown removed and the new crown cemented into place.

If you’ve recently suffered a chipped tooth, you should call 715-644-3601 to have it treated and repaired with a dental crown in Stanley, Wisconsin.