Dealing with Chipped Teeth: 5 Options to Consider

Strong as they are, our teeth aren’t immune from possible damage. A forceful blow to the face, a sudden slip or fall, or even a bad bite on something hard may sometimes cause a tooth to chip or break. Below is a roundup of the most popular dental treatment options that will help repair a chipped tooth.

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

The enamel of our teeth is stronger than our bones. In fact, it’s the strongest substance in our body. Yet, despite this title, tooth enamel does not possess the same regenerative powers as that of our bones. This means it cannot heal on its own once it gets cracked, broken, or chipped. Naturally, you’ll need to see a dentist just to get it fixed. Among the most popular dental restoration options that you can avail are:

• Bonding

Teeth bonding is one of the easiest and among the most popular dental treatments available today. Specifically, the term refers to a type of dental procedure where a composite resin is shaped and then applied to a damaged tooth. It is generally used to fix cracks or chips in the teeth, cover holes, or fill in small gaps. 

You may choose to get a dental bonding if you’re currently on a tight budget since this procedure is generally cost-effective. It is also fast and easy. To start, the dentist shall select the right shade of composite resin that matches your original teeth color. The surface of the target tooth will then be roughened and then coated with a conditioning liquid. Once done, the dentist will apply the composite resin and then shape the same to fit with your natural tooth. The last step usually involves polishing the affected area to achieve that natural shine once the resin dries up.

• Filling

As the name suggests, a dental filling is a process of closing off the holes, cracks, chips, or any other damage in a tooth using filling materials. During this treatment, the dentist shall first remove the damaged portion of the tooth, clean the affected area, and then seal it using a filling.

The procedure is simple and costs may vary according to the type of filling materials used. You may choose to get gold fillings, porcelain, silver amalgam, or even composite resin fillings. Some clinics also now offer tooth-colored non-metal fillings that are just as durable as other traditional metal-based restorations.

• Dental crowns

Getting a dental crown is another way to fix chipped or cracked teeth. Here, a cap, called a “crown” is to be placed on top of a damaged tooth to cover it up and restore its perfect appearance. 

Compared to the first two treatments, this dental procedure requires more steps and is relatively more expensive. To start, the dentist shall first examine the affected tooth. A root canal treatment may be performed if decay has been spotted. The target tooth will then be trimmed to create enough room for the crown. Traditionally, a temporary cap will be applied first and then the patient shall be advised to come back days later once the permanent crown is ready for application. However, to date, some dental clinics that have advanced equipment may already create permanent dental crowns within only a few hours, allowing them to apply the same to the target teeth right away.

Generally, dental crowns are recommended in cases of severely worn down teeth. But interested individuals may still choose to avail this treatment to simply improve the shape and color of their teeth by covering them up with better-looking crowns. If you have a severely chipped tooth, going for a dental crown may be the better option instead of opting for a mere bonding or filling.

• Root Canal

Generally, a chipped tooth does not require a root canal treatment. However, when the crack or damage becomes so severe, the tissue at the center of the tooth called dental pulp may be exposed and become infected by bacteria. This will then result in swollen gums, increased tooth sensitivity, and even severe pain. When this happens, your dentist may recommend a root canal.

The procedure starts with the dentist conducting an x-ray to assess the overall condition of the tooth. Once the extent of the infection has been determined, an anesthetic will be applied and a small opening in the tooth shall be made to remove the infected pulp inside the tooth. Once done, the area will be cleaned and sealed using a filling or other method.

• Veneers

Getting dental veneers is also a popular option to fix a chipped or damaged tooth. The procedure is pretty much similar to getting a dental crown. Veneers refer to tooth-colored shells that are bonded in front of the surface of the teeth to cover stains, chips, irregular shapes, or other forms of imperfections. The only difference between veneers and crowns is that veneers are less invasive since they only cover only the front surface of your teeth.

Veneers come in two different types. The first one is made out of porcelain, while the other is of resin-based composite. The former is considered to be the more durable type and typically lasts from 10 to even 15 years, while the resin-based veneers may last up to 8 years. 

Never Ignore a Chipped Tooth!

A chipped tooth is more sensitive to temperatures and sweets and is also susceptible to bacterial infection. Over time, when left untreated, the small crack may expand and the whole tooth may break completely, causing an unsightly tooth loss.

Before any of these problems occur, it’s important to get the chipped tooth fixed by a skilled dentist. If you live near Chandler, AZ, you may come and visit us here at Kyrene Family Dentistry. We offer a broad range of professional dental services, including bonding, filling, dental crowns, root canal, and veneers. Don’t hesitate to call us at (480)-705-9005 and schedule an appointment.