Chipped two front teeth
Added: March 31, 2007 - 6:21 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Phildelphia, PA
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Teeth:
Last Cleaning: 6 months ago
Case Description
My seventeen year old daughter fainted this week and chipped her two front teeth. The next day we went to the dentist and had emergency exray and bonding. Her gums were swollen & the dentist saw line fractures on her teeth. We are not sure if she will need a root canal but the exray looked ok at the time. Our concern is fixing her two teeth so they will look natural. My daughter is concerned about crowns falling off and her teeth looking fake. What is the best procedure for fixing chipped front teeth that will last and not fall off or break? Should we contact a cosmetic dentist to fix her teeth? How do we go about finding one in the Phildelphia area.
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Reply: Chipped two front teeth
added: March 31, 2007 - 8:21 AM
Cost Estimate: $500-2000
No, you do not need a "cosmetic" dentist. Any dentist with minimal training should be able to fix and manage this problem well. These chips, as long as they are small, should be able to be fixed quite well with composite resin, and not a crown. If the chips are large, or the color match is expecially dificult, perhaps a veneer will be needed. It is hard to tell without seing the tooth. It does not sound like root canal will be needed now, however at some time in the future due to the trauma, it is possible that it will be necessary. I would NOT have it done now under any circumstances just because it "may" be needed in the future. As for finding a good dentist, that is hard. As friends, look on the web at dentist''''s websites with befor and after photos, and do NOT shop price. You get what you pay for.
Reply: Chipped two front teeth
added: April 03, 2007 - 5:43 AM
Cost Estimate: $500-3200
The best procedure is the most conservative restoration that will restore a natural appearance to the teeth without damaging the remaining good tooth structure. Without seeing the teeth it is not possible to say what that would be - however it could range from simple resin bonding (for small chips) to porcelain veneers (for larger chips or reinforcement if there are craze lines on the teeth) to porcelain crowns (if significant tooth structure is missing). Many dentists could provide resin bonding, however for the best porcelain veneers or crowns you need to see a dentist who does cosmetic dentistry often and well. Look at the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) website for listings of qualified cosmetic dentists in Philadelphia. Then check the dentist''''s websites for before-and-after photos and other credentials, as well as information about their practices. Take your time and find the right dentist - it will make a difference in the long-term result for your daughter.
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