What Can I Do About a Chipped Tooth?

Don't let a chipped tooth stop your smile from coming through. Learn about dental treatments that can fix the damage in this guide.

It happens to the best of us: you’re brushing your teeth, chatting with your tooth buddy, and suddenly, you see yourself in the bathroom mirror. You freeze as your eyes meet your reflection because there it is: a chipped tooth.

And now you’re asking yourself what to do. Well, luckily for you, we’re here to help.

Check out this list of things you can do if you’ve suffered a dreaded chip tooth.

Dental Filling and Bonding

If you have chipped teeth, your dentist will decide whether you need a dental filling or bonding to restore them. A dental filling is typically used if the chip affects your tooth’s enamel.

Your local dentist office will remove debris or decay, fill the space with dental filling material, and then reshape the tooth. Bonding is typically used when you apply a material like composite resin to the surface of your tooth.

Dental Cap or Crown

A chipped tooth can be a complex problem to overcome. Depending on the chip’s location, size, and severity, several options exist.

A dental crown or cap is one of the more popular options as it covers the entire exposed area of the tooth and is extremely strong and durable.

It is an excellent choice for those who want to restore the look and feel of their teeth, as a dental crown ensures that the tooth remains in its original position, thus minimizing the likelihood of further chips occurring.

Dental Veneers

A chipped tooth can be quite an embarrassment, especially when it’s visible when you talk or smile. Fortunately, there are several options to fix a chipped tooth.

Dental veneers are one of the most effective options for restoring a chipped tooth. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit your teeth.

They are designed to bond to the tooth, covering any chipping or discoloration. Veneers are also stain resistant and can last up to 15 years with proper care. 

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are an effective way to address a chipped tooth. These treatments involve removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and preparing the cavity, filling the root canal, and sealing it.

With root canal therapy, the chipped part of the tooth can be repaired and restored to its original shape and size. After the procedure, the dentist will cover the tooth with a crown to protect it from future damage and decay. 

Tooth Reattachment

Tooth reattachment is one potential choice for dealing with a chipped tooth. This procedure aims to attach the broken piece back onto the tooth.

For this procedure to be successful, the dentist must be able to match the broken piece with the remaining tooth. If the fractured part fits perfectly with the remaining tooth, the dentist can bond the music back on using adhesives or a bridge. 

Fixing a Chipped Tooth Now

It’s best to visit a dentist or dental professional if you have a cracked or chipped tooth. Fixing a damaged tooth may protect it from further damage or infection.

If you suspect you have chipped your teeth, call your dentist to schedule an appointment now. Don’t wait; take care of your teeth to avoid worse problems down the line.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!

Recommended Articles