Chipped Tooth Repair

A chipped tooth is a dental condition where one or more teeth have lost some of their surfaces. This can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury; grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism); biting on something hard, such as ice, a nut, or a pencil; or using your teeth to open something that is too tough, such as a bottle cap. Chipping can also occur as a result of dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. If the margins of these dental treatments are not appropriately placed, they can leave areas of vulnerability on the tooth where it is more likely to chip.

The most common symptoms of a chipped tooth are sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, pain when biting down on something hard, and discoloration of the tooth. Depending on how severe the chip is, your dentist may be able to repair it with a filling or bonding material. If the chip is large or the tooth is severely damaged, you may need a crown (cap) or even an implant.

When it comes to treatment for a chipped tooth, it will depend on the severity of the chip. If the chip is small, your dentist may just smooth it down and polish it. However, if the chip is bigger or has jagged edges, then your dentist may need to perform more complex solutions, including:

Dental Filling or Bonding
A dental filling is a restoration used to fill in the space where tooth decay has been removed from a tooth. Dental bonding, also called composite bonding, is a treatment used to fix teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or crooked. In most cases, composite bonding is less expensive than other treatments such as veneers or crowns. Composite bonding uses a resin material that is applied to the tooth and then hardened with ultraviolet light. The resin can be used to rebuild the shape of the tooth, fill in cracks or gaps, and cover up discoloration. Composite bonding usually takes one visit to the dentist’s office and does not require any special preparation by the patient.

Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that can be used to correct chipped teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They can be used to close spaces between the teeth, correct irregular tooth shapes, and hide discoloration or chips in the teeth. Veneers are a popular choice for treating chipped teeth because they are a relatively conservative treatment option. Unlike crowns, veneers do not require the removal of any of the natural tooth structures. Veneers are also more affordable than dental implants or dental bridges.

Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are often used to treat chipped teeth. The crown essentially covers the damaged tooth, restoring its strength, appearance, and function. In many cases, dental crowns can also help to prevent further damage to the tooth. Dental crowns are made of a variety of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Once in place, dental crowns look and function just like healthy teeth.

If you have a chipped tooth and don’t fix it, there are several consequences that could occur. Some of the most common consequences include: