How To Fix A Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chipped tooth can be a jarring and painful experience. Whether from a sports injury, biting down on something hard, or simply an unfortunate accident, a chipped tooth can affect your appearance and ability to chew. If left untreated, it can even lead to further dental problems. The first question that likely comes to mind is, “How to fix a chipped tooth?”

The good news is that chipped teeth are a common problem with various effective solutions. Premier Dental will provide you with the immediate steps to take and detail the different professional treatments available to restore your smile.

Immediate Steps: What to Do Right After a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth is rarely a life-threatening emergency. Still, acting quickly is vital to prevent further damage or infection.

1. Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to rinse your mouth thoroughly. This will help clean the area and remove any debris.
2. Control Swelling: If swelling, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek or lips.
3. Protect Your Mouth: If the chipped tooth has a sharp edge that’s irritating your tongue, cheek, or gums, you can cover it with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available at most pharmacies).
4. Save the Fragment (If Possible): If you can find the piece of your tooth, place it in a container of milk or saliva and bring it to your dental appointment. In some cases, the dentist may be able to reattach it.
5. Call Your Dentist: The most crucial step is to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if there’s no pain, a dentist must assess the damage and determine the best action.

Professional Treatments for a Chipped Tooth

The type of repair will depend on the severity and location of the chip. Our dentist, Dr. Dainiak, will recommend the best solution for your situation.

• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a quick and affordable solution for small chips on the front teeth. The dentist uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the chipped area, shaping it to match the rest of your tooth. This procedure can often be completed in a single visit and requires no anesthesia.
• Dental Veneers: A dental veneer may be the ideal option if the chip is on a front tooth and affects its appearance. A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite material covering the entire tooth’s front surface. It conceals the chip and improves the tooth’s overall shape and color, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): A dental crown may be necessary when a large portion of the tooth has chipped or the chip extends into the pulp. A crown is a cap that fits over the entire tooth, restoring its function, strength, and appearance. The dentist will first file down the remaining tooth structure and then place a crown made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
• Root Canal Therapy: In severe cases where the chip exposes the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal may be required to prevent infection. After removing the damaged pulp, the dentist will seal the tooth and place a crown for protection.

The Importance of Professional Care

While many DIY remedies and temporary fixes are available, it’s essential to see a professional dentist. Using household adhesives or trying to file down the tooth yourself can cause more harm than good, leading to infection or irreversible damage.

A chipped tooth may seem minor, but it can weaken the tooth’s structure and leave it vulnerable to further damage. A dentist will ensure the problem is addressed correctly, restoring your smile’s health and beauty for years.