Chipping your tooth is a very common problem that can happen to patients of any age. While a chipped tooth is not typically considered an emergency, it is important to see your dentist to have the tooth evaluated as soon as possible.
What should I do about my chipped tooth?
There are a number of treatment options available for a chipped tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Even if your dentist is unable to repair the tooth on the same day, it is important to see them for a quick evaluation, so they can apply a temporary solution to prevent further damage.
Left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to the tooth breaking further or even fracturing in two. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, such as pain or tooth sensitivity, you need to see your dentist right away. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is possible that you have nerve damage around that tooth, so any pain or tenderness should be addressed immediately.
Now, let’s go over some of the treatment options that are used to repair a chipped tooth.
Shaping
For minor chips, your dentist may be able to smooth out the area so that there are no rough edges. They will use a drill with a burr specifically for smoothing surfaces so that not much tooth structure is lost.
Dental Sealants
Most often applied to children’s molars and premolars, a dental sealant is a plastic coating applied onto the flat, biting surface. The sealant material is applied as a liquid and then cured to form a hard, protective coating. Dental sealants are a great way to protect a compromised molar or premolar from further damage and can last for years.
Dental Bonding
Bonding can be used to repair and restore a larger chip on any tooth. Composite bonding is the same material that is used to fill a cavity. It can be molded to the tooth, then, once it is cured, shaped exactly to replace the bit that chipped off. Dental bonding is quick and non-invasive, but it is more susceptible to chipping and staining in comparison to porcelain options.
Porcelain Restorations
Porcelain crowns and veneers are the best way to save and restore severely damaged teeth. Even with very large chips or cracks, as long as your dentist believes the tooth can be saved, crowns and veneers are a proven way to restore teeth. Minimal tooth structure is lost, and these porcelain restorations can last a lifetime (with proper care and maintenance). Dental crowns fit over the entire tooth surface, whereas veneers cover just the front surface and wrap around the edges to the back of the tooth. Porcelain is very strong and durable and does not stain.
Even if you are not experiencing any negative symptoms, it is important to see your dentist as soon as you chip a tooth. A tooth cannot repair itself, and a damaged tooth will only get worse over time.
Related Article: Do Teeth Chip With Age?