Chipped Tooth? What Are Your Options?

A chipped tooth is likely to cause some panic, especially if it’s your front tooth. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is call your dentist and let them know what happened. They will likely ask if you are in pain and schedule you for an appointment at their office.

In most situations, a chipped tooth can be fixed. If your tooth has chipped above the gum line, you likely have fewer options for repairing your front tooth.

Composites

If the chip is relatively small, it can probably be fixed by a composite filling. A composite filling is a white filling that bonds with your natural tooth. White fillings can look very natural, and are usually a simple dental procedure.

The one downside to composite fillings is that they don’t last forever. With time, the margins can break down and allow staining to happen. If you notice staining around your composite, it is likely leaking and should be replaced.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer may be another option for your chipped front tooth. Dental veneers are made of a white porcelain material that is custom fit to cover over the top of your natural tooth. They are made to look very much like your natural tooth. While dental veneers can be a more considerable investment upfront than a composite,but they also last longer.

Porcelain Crown

If a large portion of your tooth chipped off, you might benefit from a crown. A crown replaces missing tooth structure and adds strength back to your tooth so that you can return to daily functions of eating, talking, and smiling. A crown covers more area than a dental veneer.

In doing a dental exam and taking x-rays, our dentists evaluate your exact situation to let you know which options would be best for your fractured tooth.

What If My Tooth Chipped Beneath My Gums?

When your tooth chips beneath your gums, the tooth will likely need to be extracted. When a tooth chips in such a way, there isn’t much tooth structure for a crown to attach to and have the support that it needs to chew.

If your tooth needs to be extracted, there are other options for replacement. Should you ever find yourself in this situation, an implant or a bridge may be a better option for you.

How Can I Avoid Chipping A Tooth?

You can do many things to keep your teeth healthy and avoid fracturing them. Many fractures happen as a result of injury or impact. Sports are a significant factor in chipping front teeth. Even riding bikes and falling off them commonly injures children’s teeth. Being mindful of these simple habits can go a big factor in chipping front teeth.

• Wear A Bite Splint: Do you clench or grind your teeth? Wearing a bite splint at night can protect your teeth from wearing while sleeping.
• Wear A Helmet: Do you ride a bike or rollerblade? Wearing a helmet protects your head from impact, but it can also protect your teeth from impact.
• Wear A Mouthguard: Do you play contact sports? Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from impact.

Your front teeth play a big part in your beautiful smile, so keeping them healthy is essential. Do you have wear or chipping on your teeth that concerns you? Could you use a bite splint or a mouthguard to protect your teeth? Our dental team is here to help you keep your smile at its best, come visit us!