How to Fix Chipped Teeth

Tooth enamel is strong…but it isn’t unbreakable. Most people have at least one or two very small chips on their teeth. These occur during normal day-to-day activities like eating, talking, or even sleeping. Typically, these chips are too tiny to be noticeable but, in some cases, they can be larger. Seriously chipped teeth are usually the product of injury and require immediate attention. Rarely, eating hard foods can lead to severe chipped teeth.

Do I need to see a dentist if I have a chipped tooth?

If you have a significantly chipped tooth (as in, it is readily noticeable), you need to go to the dentist immediately. Chipped teeth can lead to tooth decay and infection (plus they can really hurt!)

How can a dentist fix a chipped tooth?

If the chip is somewhat small, a dentist will use a composite resin (known as dental bonding) to fill the chipped area. Dental bonding is tooth-colored and pliable so the dentist can easily shape it to fill the chip. Once they’re happy with the shape of the resin, the dentist will use a blue light to harden the bonding. By the end of the appointment, you won’t be able to tell which tooth was chipped!

If the chip is large and causing a lot of pain, dental bonding may not be enough to fix it. Your dentist could recommend filing down the jagged edge of the chip so they can fit a crown over the entire tooth. If there’s serious decay or there’s very little tooth left, they may send you to an endodontist to get a root canal before getting a crown.

Can I get my chipped tooth fixed at Stanley Dentistry?

Dr. Bobbi has helped hundreds of patients regain their confidence after chipping a tooth. If you have a chipped tooth that you have yet to fix, schedule an appointment today!

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