A chipped tooth can be a cause for concern, as it can lead to further damage and even tooth loss if left untreated. It is important to repair a chipped tooth, even if it is small, to prevent further damage and preserve the tooth. Depending on the size and location of the chip, there are several ways to repair it. If the chip is small and does not extend through the enamel, the dentist can use a file-like tool to even out the tooth and make the splinter less obvious.
For larger chips that cannot be repaired by the bonding material, the dentist may choose to clean the area and apply a cap to protect the rest of the tooth and prevent cavities and infections. If only a small portion of the tooth enamel has come off, the dentist can repair the damage with a filling. Tooth bonding will ensure that the deeper layers of the tooth are not exposed to oral bacteria, which should prevent cavities from forming around the chip. If a large part of the tooth comes off, the dentist may recommend that a cap or crown be applied to protect the tooth.
Depending on the location of your tooth, you may choose root canal treatment to repair the nerve and a cap to restore its appearance. When deciding if repairing a chipped tooth is necessary or simply allowed to happen, there are a number of factors to consider. Falling, getting hit in the face, or biting something hard, especially if a tooth already has a tooth decay, can cause a tooth to chip or break. With larger chips reaching the inside of the tooth, the pulp, which is made of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, can be damaged and infected quickly.
Therefore, it is important to repair a fixed tooth, even a small chip, to prevent further damage and prevent tooth loss. If you don't seek care for a broken tooth, you may need root canal treatment or eventually you could lose your tooth. Splinters that are not treated can easily break down. If you don't have initial pain or discomfort from a chipped tooth, you may think you don't need to treat it right away, especially if the tooth isn't in the front of your mouth. My dentist repaired it with tooth-colored resin but the same day a part came off; however, it lasted for a few years. How much does it cost to repair this small chip permanently? Repairing a chipped tooth is usually quite simple and local anesthesia is used as needed to ensure that the patient feels comfortable.
A chipped tooth equates to significant loss of tooth structure and can even contribute to new chips in the future and cracks in the enamel over time. Otherwise, your tooth could become more damaged or infected which could cause you to end up losing your tooth.
