Does My Chipped Tooth Need Repair?

Our teeth are remarkably strong. In fact, they are made from the strongest substance in our entire body. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they are invincible to damage. Even healthy teeth can break, or chip, under certain pressures or forces. At Majestic Smile Studio, we want to see our patients as soon as possible after they chip a tooth. Not only can a chipped tooth be an aesthetic threat, but the health and livelihood of the tooth may also be in danger after structural damage.

Ways a Tooth Becomes Chipped or Fractured

Regardless of your age, gender or race, your teeth are vulnerable to fracture. In fact, chipped teeth are quite common during accidents or traumas. Here are some of the most prevalent causes and scenarios for chipped teeth:

The most common ways that people chip a tooth is through accidents or trauma to the mouth. Here are some common scenarios:

• Accidental falls
• Sports injuries
• Biting on hard objects (pens, ice, popcorn kernels)
• Trauma to the face
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

How to Tell if Your Chipped Tooth Needs Repair

A chipped tooth typically requires repair for several reasons. Here are some common situations where repairing a chipped tooth becomes necessary:

Pain or Sensitivity

If the chip exposes the underlying dentin or nerve endings, it can cause pain or increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. Repairing the tooth can alleviate discomfort.

Noticeable Structural Damage

A significant chip can compromise the integrity and strength of the tooth, making it more susceptible to further damage or fractures. Repairing the chip helps restore the tooth’s structural integrity and prevent future complications.

Impaired Esthetics

Chipped front teeth can affect your smile and self-confidence. If the chip is visible when you talk or smile, repairing the tooth can improve its appearance and restore a natural look.

Risk of Infection

A deep chip that extends into the pulp chamber can expose the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, increasing the risk of infection. Repairing the tooth helps seal off the exposed area and prevents bacteria from entering, reducing the likelihood of infection.

Difficulty Chewing

Depending on the location and size of the chip, it may cause discomfort or difficulty while chewing. Repairing the tooth can restore proper biting and chewing function.

It’s important to note that even small chips should be evaluated by a dentist, as they can sometimes lead to more significant problems if left untreated. At Majestic Smile Studio, one of our dentists will carefully assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment option to restore your tooth back to its optimal health, appearance and integrity.

Way Your Dentist Can Fix a Tooth Chip

At Majestic Smile Studio, we are equipped to repair chipped or fractured teeth using a variety of treatment methods. Depending on the severity of your tooth damage at its location in your mouth, we may suggest one of the following treatments for your chipped tooth:

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a popular method for repairing minor to moderate chips. We will apply a tooth-colored composite resin material to the chipped area, shapes it to match the natural tooth contours, and then hardens it using a special light. Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective procedure that can usually be completed in a single visit.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. They are an excellent option for repairing more significant chips or for improving the appearance of multiple teeth. Our dental team will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface, takes impressions, and sends them to a dental laboratory to create the veneers. On a subsequent visit, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive.

Dental Crowns

If the chip is extensive and compromises the tooth’s structural integrity, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection. One of our dentists at Majestic Smile Studio will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and takes impressions to create a custom crown. While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, a temporary crown is placed. In a subsequent visit, the permanent crown is cemented onto the tooth.

Dental Contouring

Minor chips or rough edges can sometimes be repaired through dental contouring, also known as enamel reshaping. Our dentist carefully removes a small amount of enamel to reshape the tooth, creating a more even appearance. Dental contouring is usually a quick and painless procedure that can be done without the need for anesthesia.

If you have chipped, cracked or broken a tooth in Yorba Linda, we can help you. Majestic Smile Studio is fully equipped to provide modern treatment options for fast and comfortable dental restorations. Most tooth chips can be fixed with simple dental bonding, an affordable, non-invasive treatment that only takes a brief office visit. Call our dental clinic today to schedule your chipped tooth repair.