You are here:

Dentistry/Chiped TOOTH!!!!!!!!!!!

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/12/2008


Question
The front bottom part of my tooth chipped, it was very little at the top of the tooth... i do smoke cigarettes.. i guess this is what i get for never quitting.. but what can i do now???
i haven't gone to the dentist in a while.
I'm only 19 and i don't want to have a gold tooth or any thing like that, I'm so scared!!!
what should i do?

Answer
You should go to the dentist.  If the chip is a tiny piece it may be possible for the dentist to simply smooth out the edge.  If the chip is a little more than a tiny piece the dentist may be able to bond some tooth colored material to reconstruct the biting edge of the tooth.  If you've understated the extent of the damage and it is more than a "very little" piece then a crown may be necessary.  A crown can be made to look exactly like the adjacent teeth with a perfect color match if necessary.

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.