In this article, we give tips on what to do if you chip a tooth and talk about chipped tooth repair methods.

What Do I Do If I Chip a Tooth?

A chipped tooth is considered oral trauma and typically requires prompt medical attention, so we recommend making an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, or going to an emergency dentist if necessary. Especially if you experience bleeding or acute pain. Additionally, chips in a tooth can expose the inner pulp, which can result in infections and tooth loss if this condition is not treated promptly.

If you sustained an oral trauma resulting in a chipped tooth, follow these steps:

Collect the chipped fragment if it is intact and put it in a clean container filled with milk or saliva to preserve it until you get to a dental office, as the chipped fragment might be reattached to the tooth. Do not store your tooth in water.
If the fragment is dirty, gently rinse it with lukewarm water. Be careful not to damage the fragment, and do not rub it with cloth or tissue.
Rinse your mouth with warm water or a saltwater solution.
If you experience bleeding, apply a sterile gauze pad to the area and gently press down.
Protect soft tissue in your mouth from damage caused by sharp tooth edges by covering them with dental wax.

Chipped Tooth Repair Procedures

Three main methods of chipped tooth restoration are dental bonding, crowns, and veneers. Let us examine each method in more detail.

Dental Bonding

To repair a chipped tooth with dental bonding, your dentist will use a resin composite, the same material that is used for dental fillings. Resin composite is shaped to match the contours of your tooth and looks like your natural teeth due to its color.

Dental bonding is most commonly used for small to moderate chips or cracks, especially in front teeth. Bonding can also be used to reattach a tooth fragment, especially if the fragment is intact and the chip is fresh. To be able to reattach the chipped fragment to the tooth, several conditions have to be met:

The procedure has to be done promptly after the injury.
The tooth fragment should not be dehydrated.
The break is not too close to the nerve in the tooth.
The overall tooth’s structure is intact and strong.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer covers the entire front surface of a tooth, effectively masking cosmetic defects and damage. Typically, veneers are made of porcelain and, more rarely, of resin composite. Veneers look natural in the mouth and can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.

Applying veneers requires more tooth preparation (filing) than dental bonding, but they tend to last longer.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be recommended for a chipped tooth repair when:

The damage is moderate or large.
The tooth’s structure is significantly affected.
The chip exposed the tooth’s pulp.

In some cases, especially when the pulp is exposed, root canal treatment may be necessary before the crown can be placed. A dental crown is a “cap” that covers the entire tooth and is hermetically bonded to it. Dental crowns are most commonly made of porcelain and are durable, stain-resistant, and natural-looking in the mouth.

Make an Appointment at The Smile Artists LA

If you chipped a tooth, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at The Smile Artists LA. At our dental office, we use high-quality materials and modern restorative methods, and we will offer you treatment that best accommodates your needs and preferences.