Is Chipping a Tooth Really that Big of a Deal and How to Fix them?

by Amit Joshi content writer

Chipping of a tooth can happen because of many reasons like opening something using teeth, eating hard food item or falling flat on face. Reason can be anything but in result it can give you tremendous pain.
If the broken tooth has sharp edge it can cut your tongue or inner portion of mouth. If it is minor chip then you are lucky. But if the pulp tissue of the tooth is exposed then there is fair chance of sensitivity, infection and serious tooth decay. If the infection gets severe than root canal needs to be done. Chipping a tooth can really be a big deal if the chip is major. So it is best to not to take the chipped tooth lightly and visit the dentist and get suitable treatment.

How to fix?

Bonding: For minor chip, dentists generally suggest bonding. In bonding, composite material is shaped to create natural looking extension and remaining enamel is first roughen up. Dentist then sets the composite using blue light which hardens the material instantly.

Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that are used to cover front side of tooth to replace the broken part of the tooth. It produces a smooth and natural look when applied. To place the veneer doctor first etch the surface of tooth to roughen it. Then the dentist applies special cement to the dental veneer and places it on prepared tooth. Porcelain veneer can be expensive but it lasts for 10 to 20 years.

Crowns: Crown should be used when large portion of the teeth has been lost. The Crown is a tooth shaped cap which is placed on the teeth to protect it and to improve the appearance. Crowns are made from metal, porcelain fused with metal, all resin or all ceramic. All metal crowns are the strongest.

Dental Implants: If the tooth is cracked, close the gums then it is better to remove the tooth and replace with a dental implant. This will help in avoiding any possible infection and future root canal.