A broken or chipped tooth can be a distressing experience to endure. Whether caused by an accident, a fall, or biting into something too hard, dental trauma can range from mild chips to more severe fractures. However, thanks to modern dental techniques, repairing a damaged tooth has become more painless, effective and accessible than before.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basic fundamentals of chipped tooth repair, from diagnosis to recovery, to help ease any concerns and prepare you for your visit to the dentist.
The first thing your dentist will do is assess the extent of the damage. Broken or chipped teeth can vary significantly in severity.
Here are the different types of fractures:
- Minor chips: These are small fractures that only affect the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, like a chipped molar or chipped front tooth.
- Moderate fractures: The break goes deeper, affecting the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel).
- Severe fractures: The fracture extends into the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), potentially causing nerve damage.
During your appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to evaluate the condition of the tooth and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment Options
Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist will recommend one of several treatment options. The extent of how long it takes to repair a chipped tooth depends on the extent of tooth damage and the type of treatment recommended to you.
Treatments usually recommended for chipped tooth repair include:
1. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the most common solution for chipped tooth repair. It’s quick, affordable, and painless. The process involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the chipped area and then shaping and polishing it to match the rest of the tooth.
What to Expect
Typically, dental bonding can be completed in a single visit.
The Procedure
After roughening the surface of your tooth, the dentist will apply a special adhesive followed by the resin. A UV light is then used to harden the material. After it’s fully healed and fitted, the dentist will shape and polish the bonded material to seamlessly blend with your natural tooth.
Aftercare Tips
- You’ll need to avoid biting hard objects and practise good oral hygiene to ensure the bonding lasts.
- Bonding can last several years but may require touch-ups.
2. Dental Veneers
If the chip is on a front tooth, your dentist might recommend veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain or composite shells that cover the front of the tooth, providing a natural and flawless appearance.
What to Expect
In most cases, veneers take two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. On the second visit, the veneers will be fitted by expert professionals.
The Procedure
Your dentist may need to remove a thin layer of enamel to make space for the veneer. Once your custom veneer is ready, it will be bonded to the surface of your tooth.
Aftercare Tips
Veneers are durable but can still chip if you bite on hard objects. With proper care, they can last 10-15 years or longer.
3. Dental Crowns
This is usually recommended for repair that deals with a bigger extent of damage, especially those involving molars or when the tooth is severely weakened, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns can usually last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
What to Expect
Dental crowns usually require two visits. The first visit is for preparing the tooth, and the second visit is for placing the crown.
The Procedure
The dentist will remove any decayed or weakened parts of the tooth and take an impression. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is custom-made. On the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond the permanent crown to your tooth.
Aftercare Tips
- Avoid chewing ice or hard foods to prevent damaging the crown.
- Practise good oral hygiene.
- Wear a mouthguard
4. Root Canal Treatment
In cases where the break is severe and affects the pulp of the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp to prevent infection and then sealing the tooth with a filling or crown.
What to Expect
Root canal treatments typically require 1-2 visits and it may require extensive aftercare after procedure.
The Procedure
The dentist will numb the area and drill into the tooth to remove the damaged pulp. The root canals are cleaned and sealed, and a crown is often placed to strengthen the tooth.
Aftercare
After the procedure, some discomfort is normal, but it should subside within a few days. Some tips you can follow include:
- Eating soft foods
- Avoid drinks and food that are too hot and cold.
- Gargle with warm salt water
How much does it cost to repair a chipped tooth?
The cost to fix a chipped tooth in Texas can vary based on the severity of the chip and the treatment required.
On average:
- Dental bonding: $100 to $500 per tooth, ideal for small chips.
- Veneers: $250 to $2,500 per tooth, used for larger or more visible chips.
- Dental crowns: $800 to $3,000 per tooth, recommended for significant damage.
Other factors, such as the dentist’s experience and location, can affect the cost of repairing a cracked or chipped tooth. At ProSmiles, we offer a multitude of payment plans and accept insurance, which may help reduce the burden of costs.
Repairing a broken or chipped tooth doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are numerous ways to restore your smile to its former glory, whether through bonding, veneers, crowns, or root canals. With a clear understanding of what to expect during the process, you can approach your treatment with confidence, knowing that a healthier, brighter smile is just around the corner.
At ProSmiles, our team will guide you through each step of the way, ensuring that your tooth is not only repaired but protected for the long term. If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us and restore your smile today!
