Repairing Chipped Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide

Your smile is one of your most important features. Chipped teeth can undermine your confidence and affect your oral health. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of how to repair a chipped tooth effectively, using various methods such as bonding, crowns, and veneers.

Understanding Chipped Teeth

Typically, a chipped front tooth has a 30-degree bevel placed on the enamel from the edge, and then a filling is bonded to the enamel. This process, known as tooth bonding, involves placing a plastic-like material over the chip and a filling material. The dentist then cuts around the chip and fits a custom-made piece of denture to fill the space. One or two more visits are required to complete the final fitting and bonding process.

How Does a Chipped Tooth Affect You?

The degree of a chipped or broken tooth determines the treatment options. A minor chip that doesn't affect the root may only require a few minutes to fix. However, a more severe break may necessitate more visits. The following are some of the most frequent ways that a dentist can repair a chipped tooth:

Bonding or Filling

A dental filling is often used to repair a small chip that doesn't harm the remainder of the tooth or root. Dentists use a bonding method, typically involving a tooth-colored resin material. This resin is fused to the tooth and smoothed to match its form. The material is then hardened using ultraviolet light.

Crown or Cap Dental Restoration

Larger chips and breakages may require more extensive repair. A dentist will grind away the chipped edge and any deterioration, then place a crown or cap over the top to preserve the rest of your teeth. Common materials used in crowns include metal, porcelain, ceramic, and resin. The cap is custom-made to fit the natural shape of your teeth and will look almost identical to the original. In some cases, root canal therapy may be necessary if the entire crown of the tooth has broken off.

Veneers

Your front teeth are usually the worst areas to chip. A dental veneer can be placed over the tooth to fix the chip. A thin shell of porcelain or resin material is placed over the tooth, covering the damaged area. After prepping the tooth, an impression is taken and sent to a lab to create the veneer. Once it's ready, your dentist will install it and use a special light to activate the chemical causing it to solidify quickly.

Treatment of the Root Canal

If a large tooth chip or crack exposes the tooth's core, more invasive treatment such as root canal therapy may be required. The blood vessels and nerve endings are located in the core of your tooth, which can cause significant pain. To avoid infection, treatment must be administered promptly. The pulp in the core of the tooth must be removed, which is the purpose of root canal therapy.

Professional Recommendations

Consulting with a family dentist is crucial when dealing with a chipped or broken tooth. Most family dentists can perform the necessary operations and advise you on the best dental services for your specific situation. Remember, the type of treatment you receive will depend on the extent of the damage and your overall oral health.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always seek professional advice from a qualified dentist or healthcare provider before undergoing any dental procedures.

Useful Resources:

Chipped Tooth Bonding Dentalté: Chipped Teeth Repair Colgate: Best Ways to Repair Chipped Teeth