Can a Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?

Can a Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?

Tooth enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the body, but it is not indestructible. Biting down on an almond, ice, or other hard object or food can lead to a chipped tooth. Maybe you grind your teeth at night, or maybe someone hit you in the face.

Whatever the case, you need to know how to preserve your tooth when you chipped it. It is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible if you suffer a fractured, broken, or chipped tooth.

In addition to helping you avoid serious pain, immediate treatment will also prevent further damage to your tooth. You also avoid infection to the damaged tooth that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health risks. The good news is that dentists have several options on how to fix a chipped tooth.

What Should You Do First?

Whether it is your child or you with a chipped tooth, certain factors may make it difficult to visit a dentist’s office right away. In this case, you should consider certain home remedies meant to reduce swelling and discomfort.

The first thing you need to do is rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to remove anything lodged in the jagged edges of the tooth. If you are experiencing pain, indirectly apply an ice pack to the affected side of the face. You can take over-the-counter medication if the pain persists.

If the chipped tooth resulted from a severely traumatic incident with extreme bleeding and pain, you need to visit an emergency room immediately.

How Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth

The procedure your dentist uses to fix your chipped tooth will depend on the severity of your problem. A slightly chipped or broken tooth will likely require a single office visit. But a severely damaged tooth may require more than one visit and a more expensive procedure. Some of the ways to fix a chipped tooth include:

Bonding

If you have a small and simple chip in your tooth, your dentist will likely recommend bonding. This procedure involves the application of a composite resin over the damaged tooth to create a mold. Your dentist will then shape the resin material into the chip, making it look like part of the tooth.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is ideal if you have a substantial chip or lost a sizable portion of your tooth. Your dentist will gently file away part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a crown. The dental crown will help improve the aesthetic appearance of the tooth, preserve its functionality, and protect the tooth from further damage.

Veneers

Bonding is ideal for small chips. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a better option if the chip on your tooth is a little bigger. Your dentist will place the porcelain cover on the front of your damaged tooth, giving it a natural and smooth look.

Dental Implants

Dentists recommend a dental implant for a severely chipped tooth, where very little natural tooth remains above the gumline. Your dentist will remove the tooth and allow you to heal before attaching the implant that feels and looks like a real tooth. It is the most costly and time-consuming treatment option, but the results can last a lifetime.

To learn how a dentist can fix your chipped tooth, visit Elite Dentistry & Implant Center at our office in Chelsea, Alabama. You can call 205-224-0040 today to schedule an appointment.