Fixing Chipped Tooth: 5 Ways to Restore Your Beautiful Smile
Accidents can sometimes result in a chipped tooth, which can be a painful experience. Not only does it affect your oral health, but it can also make you feel self-conscious.
Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to discomfort and potential health issues. It doesn’t matter if you have a small chip or a seriously damaged tooth, consult a dentist immediately.
Explore the causes of chipped teeth in this blog and the available treatment options to fix them.
What Causes a Chipped Tooth?
The following may cause a chipped or broken tooth:
- Chewing hard foods (such as hard candy, nuts, and ice cubes)
- Grinding or clenching teeth in sleep or due to stress
- Tooth injury due to accidents (such as slip-and-fall, collision, or getting hit)
- Sports injuries
- Damage to gums or jawbone
- Dental conditions that cause tooth decay (like diabetes, acid reflux, etc.)
- Weakened tooth enamel due to certain medications (i.e., chemotherapy)
- Facial trauma from any other causes
Why Do You Need to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
A cracked tooth isn’t a severe issue in most cases. It may only be aesthetically unpleasant or cause minor annoyance. So, most people do not have to get immediate treatment.
But if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should get a consultation.
- Tooth pain when biting or chewing
- Increased sensitivity when eating hot/cold foods or drinks
- If the chipped tooth has a sharp edge, which irritates or hurts your lips, tongue, or cheek
- Signs of infection around the gum line (i.e., redness or inflammation)
- If the damaged tooth is becoming more crooked or loosening from the roots
- If the chip is turning into a deep crack
These symptoms may be due to various reasons and not because of chipped teeth. But, neglecting the signs can increase the risk of:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Nerve damage
- Dental infections and abscesses
Chipped teeth can even weaken nearby teeth if left untreated. In severe cases, it may even lead to life-threatening complications.
Go to your dentist no matter what.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
One of these processes can take care of that:
1. Bonding or Fillings
Composite bonding is an effective treatment for fixing a chipped front tooth. It’s an affordable option for those who need a minor fix.
It involves using a resin-like material that matches the natural color of your tooth. The dentist will reshape the filling to blend perfectly with your other teeth.
The bonding treatment provides a long-lasting solution (can last for almost ten years).
2. Dental Crowns
It is a viable option for those who need major chipped tooth repairs. So, if your tooth is severely damaged or broken, the dentist may recommend putting a dental crown.
It is an artificial tooth made from a strong and durable material (i.e., porcelain, metal, or resin). First, the dentist will reshape the damaged tooth to create a base for the crown. Then, will take impressions of your teeth to make a custom-made crown resembling it.
The procedure usually takes around two-three hours. Depending on the material used, a dental crown can last anywhere from five to twenty-plus years.
3. Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for repairing a chipped front tooth. These are perfect if you have one or several chipped teeth in a row.
A veneer is a thin shell designed to cover any visible imperfections in your teeth. It is custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth.
Veneers are carefully bonded to the surface of your tooth using a special bonding cement, creating the perfect fit. With proper care, they can last for more than ten years.
4. Root Canals
A root canal is usually necessary when a chipped tooth has developed a deep crack that exposes the pulp.
If the damage isn’t too bad, dental bonding might fix it. In severe cases, dentists perform a root canal to prevent nerve damage.
Dentists remove the decayed pulp and roots, deep clean the area, and seal it to prevent infection. Since it is a relatively invasive procedure, you may feel soreness and discomfort after the treatment.
It usually needs a follow-up treatment (such as a crown or dental implant) to fill the gap left by the chipped tooth.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a reliable solution for more serious problems caused by a chipped tooth.
If neglected, the cracks in the chipped tooth can let harmful bacteria into the tooth’s pulp, leading to significant damage. In such cases, the dentist may suggest tooth removal.
A dental implant is an excellent choice to restore your smile after tooth loss.
Dentists surgically place a titanium post into your jawbone. Then, they attach a crown to the abutment to fill the gap and support neighboring teeth.
While dental implants can be costly, they typically last a lifetime and protect against bone loss and gum disease. Moreover, some dental practices, like Genuine Dental, offer affordable payment plans to make the treatment more accessible.
How Much Do These Treatments Cost?
The cost of chipped tooth repair can vary based on various factors, such as:
- The severity of the issue
- Condition of the affected tooth
- Type of treatment required for the patient
- Cost of any materials as needed (i.e., cost of implants, crown, veneer)
Generally, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars. Here are the estimated costs associated with the different types of dental treatments.
- Bonding or fillings: It is usually the most affordable option. It can cost anywhere between $100 to $500.
- Root canals: Depending on the severity of damage and the location of the affected tooth, it may cost somewhere between $300 to $1,000.
- Crowns: Dental crowns can be substantially more expensive than bonding. It may cost anywhere from $500 to over $2,000 (based on the type of material).
- Veneers: The cost of dental veneers largely depends on the type. These may cost anywhere between $400 to $2,500 per tooth.
Dental treatment for chipped tooth repair can be complicated, depending on the severity of the condition. Sometimes patients may need a combination of treatments, such as root canal and dental bonding or root canal and dental crowns.
Therefore, the dental specialist may require a few tests, such as mouth X-rays, visual or microscopic examination. After a thorough examination, the dentist provides an accurate estimate.
Moving Forward
A chipped tooth may cause various problems, from minor inconveniences to serious dental infections. But don’t worry! There are several ways to fix it.
Dental bonding, crowns, porcelain veneers, root canals, and dental implants are effective ways to restore your smile. However, it’s important to get a professional consultation to know which treatment is best for you.
So, consider visiting dental specialists at Genuine Dental. They offer a range of dental solutions and even provide affordable payment plans.
Don’t let a chipped or broken tooth hold you back!
Take the first step towards a confident and healthy smile by scheduling a dental appointment today. Visit Genuine Dental to learn more!