Chipped teeth can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort, but the good news is that there are several permanent solutions available to repair them. Unless the damage is minor, it is best to consult a dentist for the best treatment option. In the meantime, it is important to treat any pain and protect the tooth and inside of the mouth to prevent further injury. Bonding is a common repair method for broken or chipped teeth, especially small or less complicated chips.
The dentist will etch the tooth surface with a liquid or gel material that gives the resin something to adhere to. Then, they will apply a tooth-colored composite resin with adhesive material and shape it to look like a natural tooth. An ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, which should last for at least a decade with proper care. Crowns are also an option for broken teeth.
They are thicker than veneers and restore the shape and appearance of the tooth. Usually, crowns are made of metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Custom-made colored housings use porcelain or composite resin material. Veneers are a popular cosmetic and restorative solution to improve your smile if tooth loss is making you feel shy about smiling.
If a large piece of a tooth breaks or the tooth has a lot of cavities, the dentist can grind or file part of the remaining tooth and cover it with a crown, or a tooth-shaped cap, made to protect the tooth and improve its appearance. Repairing a chipped tooth or a slightly chipped tooth for teeth with veneers means placing porcelain covers over a front tooth, resulting in a smooth, natural look that is identical to, or even better than, your original teeth. If there is an infection in the empty space of the broken tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary. The dentist will first remove the infection and then place a crown to prevent it from spreading. Fillings are also used by dentists to repair broken teeth if there is decay present.
Dental sealants act as a barrier against bacteria that cause cavities and damage teeth. To help numb any pain around the chipped tooth while waiting to see your dentist, you can try using clove oil around painful gum spots. For small chips, you may not need treatment or just need a light polish of the area to remove any rough spots. Home remedies such as chipped teeth kits can also be used while waiting for professional treatment. It is important to avoid using the chipped tooth until it is fixed and adhere to soft foods only. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouth guard for extra protection.
By wrapping the chipped tooth, any further damage to the tooth or nerve can be avoided.
