Are you feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable because of a chipped tooth? It’s not uncommon to chip a tooth, but it can be distressing. Fortunately, there are several dental treatments available to repair the damage and restore your smile. From simple bonding and reshaping procedures to more complex root canal therapy and dental crowns, there is likely an option that will work best for you.
In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps necessary to repair your chipped tooth safely and effectively. From understanding what causes teeth to chip in the first place and assessing if it’s a medical emergency or not, to deciding which treatment option works best for you – this article will provide all the answers you’re looking for. Keep reading if you want information on how to start fixing that chipped tooth today!
What happens when you chip your tooth?
Before we move forward, let’s gain insight into why your teeth may have chipped. It can be due to a multitude of factors. Accidents or dental trauma, such as a fall or dental work gone wrong, can easily cause them to chip. Other causes include excessive grinding of the teeth and biting on hard objects like candy or nuts.
Here are some common causes of chipped teeth:
Chipped tooth due to an accident or sports
Chipped teeth can be due to accidents or partaking in vigorous sports. For example, playing contact sports can easily lead to dental trauma, causing chipped teeth. When people take part in activities like boxing, hockey, football, and martial arts they are more likely to suffer dental trauma due to the physical contact between participants. Even with protective mouthguards, an accidental blow to the face or jaw can still cause dental trauma.
Chipped tooth due to grinding of teeth
Grinding and clenching of the teeth are signs of dental problems, often caused by anxiety or sleep apnea. Teeth grinding can weaken dental enamel, making it easier for teeth to chip off over time. It’s important to see a dental professional to address this issue and create a dental appliance (such as a night guard) that can help prevent further dental damage.
Find out more about our mouth guard options here.
Chipped tooth while eating
Eating can also be a culprit of a chipped tooth, especially when hard objects are consumed. When you’re eating something like candy or nuts, your teeth may come into contact with that hard surface and chip off a piece of your tooth.
Chipped tooth from bad dental procedures
When dental procedures go wrong, chipping of teeth is a common risk. Importantly, when dental treatments involve fixing broken or decaying teeth, the teeth themselves can become broken in the process. For example, crowns and fillings, when done improperly, can cause significant dental trauma. That is why it’s essential to find a qualified dentist who will use the best technique and materials available for your dental work.
Is my chipped tooth an emergency?
It’s important that you assess whether your chipped tooth is serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
Area around the chipped tooth is in pain
If you experience intense dental pain, have severe swelling around the affected area, or your tooth is broken down to the gum line – you should seek dental help right away as this may be a dental emergency. Find out about our emergency dental services here.
On the other hand, if the area around your chipped tooth is not painful or swollen, and only a minor portion of the dental enamel has been damaged, then it is probably not considered a dental emergency. In this case, you can evaluate the different treatment options available to you and consult with your dentist to decide on the best course of action.
Choosing the right chipped tooth repair option
Once you’ve determined that it’s not an emergency, it’s time to decide which dental repair option is right for your chipped tooth. Depending on the size and location of the chip, dental bonding, dental crowns, or dental veneers are just some of the many suitable treatment options.
Dental bonding to fix chipped tooth
Dental bonding is a popular and cost-effective dental procedure to repair minor dental chips. It involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin material, such as composite resin, on the affected area. The dental professional will then precisely shape and contour the Bonding for a natural-looking finish. After shaping and contouring, a dental light is used to harden the dental bonding material.
Find out more about dental bonding (fillings) here.
Chipped tooth bonding cost
The dental bonding cost can vary depending on the location and extent of dental damage. Generally, dental bonding costs are lower than dental crowns or dental veneers.
At WeSmile Dental, our tooth-coloured fillings start from $86. Find our price list here.
Dental crowns and veneers to fix chipped tooth
Dental crowns, on the other hand, are dental caps that fit tightly over an existing tooth. They are made of porcelain or other similar materials and can be designed to match your natural teeth color for a seamless finish. Dental crowns can also be used to cover dental implants.
Find out more about dental crowns here.
Dental veneers are thin shells of dental porcelain that are placed over the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic purposes. They provide strength and stability to dental enamel, as well as improve its appearance by covering dental flaws such as chipped teeth.
Find out more about veneers here.
Root canal therapy for cracked or broken teeth
When the dental chip is deep enough to expose the dental pulp or inner layer of the tooth, it can cause an infection or inflammation. In such cases, root canal therapy is needed to fix the chipped tooth by removing the dental pulp and filling the cavity with an acrylic filling material.
During a root canal procedure, your dental professional will remove the dental pulp and fill the cavity with an acrylic filling material. This is a complex dental procedure that should only be performed by a qualified and experienced dentist.
Find out more about root canal therapy here.
Finding an experienced dentist that can provide you the best chipped tooth solution
With the many options available, it can be daunting to decide which one is right for you and how best to address a chipped tooth. Many people find this decision overwhelming.
That is why if you have a chipped tooth, it’s best to seek dental treatment from a qualified dental professional. A dental professional can help determine the extent of the damage and identify the best course of action for your specific situation. Dental professionals may also be able to provide dental tips on how to prevent further dental damage.
At WeSmile Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services, from dental bonding and crowns to root canal therapy. Our experienced dental professionals are here to help you choose the best treatment option for your chipped tooth – one that is tailored to your needs and budget.
Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you restore your smile!
FAQs on fixing chipped teeth
Can I fix a chipped tooth myself?
Self-repairing of a broken or chipped tooth can be dangerous and is not recommended. If the chip is small enough, it may not need any dental treatment at all, but you should still consult a dental professional who can determine the best course of action for your dental chip.
Can a chipped tooth cause an infection?
A dental chip that is deep enough to expose the dental pulp can cause an infection or inflammation, which can lead to dental abscesses and pain. In such cases, root canal therapy is needed to fix the chipped tooth by removing the dental pulp and filling it with dental material.
Can I regrow my chipped tooth?
No, dental chips cannot be regrown. Depending on the extent of damage, dental experts may recommend dental bonding, dental crowns, or other treatments to repair your chipped tooth.
How long does it take to fix a chipped tooth?
The duration of dental treatment for a chipped tooth can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the dental chip and the chosen dental treatment. Simple dental chips may take only a few minutes to treat, while complex dental chips may require multiple visits and follow-up appointments.
Are there any risks associated with fixing a chipped tooth?
Yes, as with any dental procedure, there are certain risks associated with dental treatments for chipped teeth. These risks can include dental sensitivity, dental infection, tooth discolouration and dental damage.
It is therefore important to first and foremost, find an experienced and reputable dental professional. Additionally, it is also vital to discuss these risks with your dentist before undergoing any dental treatment for a chipped tooth.
Dental professionals are here to help you fix your chipped tooth and restore your confidence
Having a chipped tooth can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Hopefully this article has taught you that there are many solutions for your chipped tooth that can fit any budget.
At WeSmile Dental, we are dedicated to providing the best dental treatments for our patients. Our dental experts will offer personalised advice on the right treatment option for your unique dental needs. With the right dental care, it’s definitely possible to fix your chipped tooth, rejuvenating your beam and restore confidence in the way you smile.
Talk to a us to learn about the best treatment option for you and make sure that dental damage doesn’t worsen over time.
