We’ve all been there. You’re biting into a crunchy apple, taking a playful tumble, or maybe just enjoying some popcorn a little too enthusiastically, and suddenly – ouch! A sharp pain and a chipped tooth.
Don’t panic! Chipped teeth are a surprisingly common occurrence, and the good news is, that there are several ways to fix them, depending on the severity of the chip.
So, let’s take a deep breath, explore how to fix a chipped tooth, and get you back to flashing that winning smile in no time.
First Things First: Assess the Damage
Before delving into the aspect of knowing how to fix a chipped tooth, it’s crucial to take a moment to assess the chip. Here’s what you need to consider:
Size and Location
Is it a tiny nick on the edge of your tooth, or a larger piece missing near the front? Knowing the size and location of the chip will help determine the best course of action.
Pain
Does your chipped tooth cause any pain or sensitivity? If so, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible, as the chip might have exposed a nerve.
Appearance
Let’s be honest, chipped teeth can be a bummer for your confidence. Consider how much the chip bothers you aesthetically.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth: Exploring Your Options
Alright, now that you’ve sized up the situation,
let’s explore some ways to fix chipped teeth:
Minor Chips: Polishing or Bonding
If you have a tiny chip on the enamel (the hard outer layer of your tooth) and it doesn’t cause any pain, polishing might be the answer. This is a simple and quick procedure where your dentist smooths out the chipped area using a special polishing tool.
For slightly larger chips, bonding might be a good option. During bonding, your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to the chipped area and sculpts it to match the shape of your tooth. Once hardened with a special light, the resin blends seamlessly, leaving you with a natural-looking smile.
Cost: Polishing is typically the most affordable option, followed by bonding.
Pros: Both polishing and bonding are minimally invasive procedures, usually completed in a single visit. They are also relatively painless and offer a quick way to restore your smile’s appearance.
Cons: Polishing might not be suitable for larger chips. Bonding materials can chip or wear down over time, requiring repairs.
How to fix a chipped tooth: Consider polishing or bonding if you have a minor chip that doesn’t cause pain.
Moderate Chips: Veneers
For chips that are more noticeable or affect the dentin layer (the layer beneath the enamel), veneers might be a better solution. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth.
Your dentist will bond the veneer to the front surface of your chipped tooth, creating a strong and natural-looking restoration.
Cost: Veneers are typically more expensive than polishing or bonding.
Pros: Veneers are highly durable and can last for many years with proper care. They offer a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for chipped teeth.
Cons: Veneers require removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth, making the procedure irreversible.
How to fix a chipped tooth: Consider veneers if you have a moderate-sized chip that affects your dentin layer, or a broken bonded tooth that significantly impacts your smile’s appearance.
Major Chips or Cracks: Crowns
If your chip is large or extends below the gum line, or if your tooth is cracked, a crown might be necessary. A crown is a cap that completely covers the damaged tooth. Crowns come in a variety of materials, including durable porcelain, strong metal alloys, or a combination for a balance of aesthetics and strength. Your dentist will choose the material that best suits your needs.
Getting a crown typically involves two dentist visits. During the first visit, an impression will be taken to create a custom crown. Then, on a second visit, the dentist will permanently cement the crown onto your tooth.
Cost: Crowns are typically the most expensive option for fixing chipped teeth.
Pros: Crowns offer the most durable solution for repairing chipped or cracked teeth. They restore full functionality and act as a protective shield, preventing further damage, decay, and discomfort from exposed nerves.
Cons: Crowns require removing a significant amount of tooth structure. The procedure might involve multiple appointments.
How to fix a chipped tooth: Consider crowns if you have a major chip, a crack, or significant damage to your tooth.
Severe Chips: Root Canals
In severe cases, where a large portion of your tooth is broken off, exposing the inner pulp of your tooth, where nerves and blood vessels reside, a root canal might be your best option. During this procedure, your dentist will strengthen the remaining tooth structure by placing a small pin or post within the canal.
This added support allows for building up the tooth with a filling material, strong enough to hold a temporary crown. Later, a permanent crown will be cemented over the post and filling, restoring both the functionality and appearance of your tooth.
Cost: Root canals can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the procedure and your dentist’s location.
Pros: A successful root canal eliminates the infected tissues, alleviates pain, and preserves your natural tooth structure.
Cons: Compared to polishing, bonding, or even crowns, root canals are a more complex procedure. They typically involve more dentist appointments and require numbing the area.
How to fix a chipped tooth: Consider root canals in case of severely chipped teeth to prevent further complications.
How to Prevent from Getting Your Teeth Chipped
While fixing chipped teeth is readily available, prevention is always better!
Here are some tips to keep your pearly whites safe and chip-free:
Mind Your Munching
Avoid excessively hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice. Opt for softer alternatives or chop hard foods into smaller pieces before consuming.
Beware of the Bite
Use caution when biting into hard objects like apples or unopened packages.
Nighttime Protectors
If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), talk to your dentist about wearing a nightguard. This will protect your teeth from the excessive wear and tear that can lead to chipping.
Athletic Armour
If you participate in contact sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from accidental impacts.
Taking Care of Your Chipped Smile: Post-Fixation Tips
Whether you choose bonding, veneers, crown, or a root canal, proper care is essential to ensure their longevity and keep your smile shining brightly.
Here’s how to maintain your repaired tooth:
Brushing and Flossing
Maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine to remove plaque and prevent decay around the repaired area.
Avoid Stains
Be mindful of staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. Give your mouth a good rinse with water after consuming such drinks.
Regular Checkups
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure your repaired tooth remains healthy and monitor for any potential issues.
Parkmore Family Dental Cares for You
We, at Parkmore Family Dental Keysborough, offer a variety of solutions to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality. Our dentists will thoroughly assess your chipped tooth and offer customised solutions depending on the severity of the chip.
Our team prioritises using high-quality materials and techniques to ensure your chipped tooth repair is durable and aesthetically pleasing. We understand dental procedures can cause anxiety. Our friendly staff and comfortable environment will ensure a stress-free experience.
FAQs
Is it OK to leave a chipped tooth untreated?
While a chipped tooth might not cause immediate pain, it’s important to see your dentist. Leaving it untreated can expose the tooth to further infection and can cause irreversible damage.
how to fix a chipped tooth at home?
At-home chipped tooth kits with wax or mouldable material can temporarily cover the chip and protect your tooth for a few days. However, they’re not a long-term solution.
See a dentist ASAP for a proper fix and to address any underlying issues that caused the chip.
What’s causing my teeth to break into pieces?
Grinding and clenching: This habit puts excessive pressure on your teeth, wearing down the enamel and making them more susceptible to breakage.
Poor oral hygiene: Plaque buildup from infrequent brushing or flossing can lead to decay and cavities. Over time, this can weaken the tooth structure and increase the risk of breakage.
Loss of tooth pulp: Trauma or a deep cavity can damage or kill the pulp, making the tooth more brittle. Age: As we age, our teeth naturally become more brittle and lose some of their strength.
