How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Nothing is more unsettling and scary than biting into your food and spitting out a piece of your own tooth moments later. Whether our teeth chip to due to decay or excessive force, it’s always concerning. Especially as we work up the courage to look in the mirror.

Fortunately, there are several methods of repairing a chipped tooth that will have your smile looking better than ever! The procedure your dentist uses to repair your tooth will vary depending on location and the severity of the chip. Here are some of the different methods used to make a chipped tooth look good as new:

Filling

If you have only chipped off a small piece of enamel on your tooth, your dentist will probably repair it with a filling. Fillings are commonly used to fill small cavities and repair cracked or broken teeth that have worn down over time.

Bonding

If you chip a small part of your tooth that is located toward the front of your mouth and is visible when you smile, your dentist will fix it with a bond. In this procedure, a dentist will apply an adhesive to the chipped area, followed by a tooth-colored resin, which is molded to look like a natural part of your tooth. Ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin and bonding is a simple procedure that usually doesn’t require numbing.

Cap or Crown?

A cap or crown may be necessary for more severe chips. If a large part of the tooth has broken off or the tooth is full of decay, your dentist will file the remaining part of the tooth down very thin and smooth and cover it with tooth-shaped cap. The cap will protect the tooth from further damage and, when made from porcelain or resin, will look perfectly natural in your mouth. Caps and crowns are generally reserved for molars, while veneers are used for front teeth.

Veneers

If one of your front teeth is severely chipped, your dentist will use a veneer to repair it with a smooth and natural looking finish. A veneer is a thin porcelain or resin shell that covers the front of your tooth. You can think of it sort of as an acrylic nail, except it’s permanent.

Root Canal

If a large enough piece of your tooth chips so that inside nerves and blood vessels are exposed, you will need a root canal. If bacteria are allowed inside your tooth, it could cause an infection. A root canal procedure is similar to having crown placed, but instead of simply shaving down the tooth, your dentist will have to remove the affected tissue and seal the canal. When that part of the procedure is finished, you dentist will fit you with a sparkling new crown.

Restore Your Smile with Daxon Dentistry

At Daxon Dentistry it’s our job to give you a smile that looks and feels amazing! If you’re hiding your smile because of a chipped tooth, pay us a visit. We’ll restore your tooth’s function and beauty and improve your dental and emotional health with our exceptional care and services. Request an appointment today!