What to do if you have missing teeth?

There are many ways to repair chipped teeth, because a healthy set of teeth is the key to our confident and beautiful smile. The following methods of repairing chipped teeth are relatively common and convenient nowadays.

1. Tooth preparation: Two days before cosmetic restoration, periodontal cleaning should be performed to remove tartar on the teeth and periodontium and pigments deposited on the tooth surface. When repairing, you must first make necessary preparations for the teeth. You can use a non-fluoride-based and non-oil-based toothpaste or use pumice powder and water to wash the enamel surface. You can also use 3% hydrogen peroxide to clean the tooth surface. If necessary, the tooth surface can be ground and then thoroughly cleaned with clean water and blown dry with an air gun, but care must be taken to prevent saliva from contaminating the tooth surface. Pay attention to removing decayed tooth substance and existing fillings. The edge of the cavity is ground into a slope 3 to 4 mm wide and long to remove the remaining very weak enamel and provide a gradual transition surface from the composite resin to the enamel part. If necessary, a retention dovetail should be prepared, or a retention bracket and self-tapping screws should be used to assist retention.

2. Color comparison: Use a color guide to select restoration materials of similar colors based on the tooth to be repaired and the adjacent teeth.

3. Protect the dental pulp: For teeth with active pulp and exposed dentin, calcium hydroxide should be used as a base to avoid stimulation of the dental pulp tissue by the restorative material. Calcium hydroxide can be prepared using a double paste to form a solid preparation. Apply a layer of well-mixed calcium hydroxide paste evenly on the exposed dentin, and proceed to the next step after it solidifies.

4. Acid-etched tooth surface: Place polyester film on the adjacent surfaces of the teeth to protect the adjacent teeth from being etched by acid. The prepared tooth part is coated with 35% phosphoric acid preparation, and the effect of acid etching agent applied on calcium hydroxide covering the dentin is not affected. Etch for about 1 minute and apply the etchant every 20 seconds if necessary. Afterwards, rinse the etchant with a water gun for at least 20 seconds. After rinsing it clean, blow the tooth surface dry. The tooth surface that has been completely etched will appear chalky white.

5. Apply adhesive: Apply the adhesive evenly on the acid-etched tooth surface, blow it evenly with an air gun, and then irradiate it with a light curing device for 20 seconds to solidify it.

6. Apply composite resin: Before applying composite resin, you should decide whether to use opaque agent according to different situations. Opaque materials can be used for the repair base layer, and then an appropriate amount of better-colored material can be placed on the defect to shape it. After lightly compacting, the sculpture is completed (it can be slightly larger), and then it is cured with a light curing device for 20 to 40 seconds according to the curing requirements of the material.