Chipped Teeth: 5 Options for Fixing Damaged Teeth

Chipped Teeth

Do you have damaged or chipped teeth? Do you grind your teeth too much or did you accidentally hurt yourself and end up with a chipped tooth?

If so, you will need to get yourself to a dentist who can fix your teeth. There are multiple ways that a dentist can repair damaged teeth.

Keep reading to learn about five options for fixing chipped teeth.

Let’s get into it!

Dental bonding

You can save your teeth and look great by going to the dentist and asking for a dental bonding procedure. Dental bonding is used for fixing damaged, discolored, or misshapen teeth as well as gaps between your teeth.

Composite dental bonding can last for up to ten years. If you have cracked teeth, dental bonding may be a great option for you.

You won’t need any anesthesia during the procedure unless the dental bonding is used for cavities.

The dentist uses a conditioning liquid and then adds putty. The putty is molded and smoothed over the teeth.

An ultraviolet light will be used to harden the composite if you decide on a dental bonding procedure. Once the molding has dried, the dentist shapes and polishes it to match the rest of the tooth

Dental crowns

If your tooth is cracked the very badly and you have pain eating or drinking, then you may want to discuss the possibility of getting a dental crown with your dentist.

Dental crowns are actually one of the most common ways to fix cracked teeth. A crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further damage. Dental crowns are likely to improve the appearance of your teeth and give you a great smile.

Getting a dental crown will help you from losing those damaged teeth. Crowns will be great for those who have pain when chewing. They will allow you to eat food more comfortably.

Porcelain crowns that have a tooth-colored look are great for a more realistic smile. Dental crowns are usually customized for each patient so that your teeth have a uniform look.

When undergoing this procedure, you will be given anesthesia so that you do not have to feel the pain of putting on a dental crown. The tooth is then prepared and impressions are made.

The crown is developed in the lab while you wear a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is completed, it will be cemented onto your tooth structure.

Root canal therapy

If you have severely chipped teeth that have become infected, you may need to undergo root canal therapy.

An infected tooth can be very painful so you will want to undergo root canal therapy sooner rather than later. It will also prevent further infection in your mouth.

Root canal therapy can save your tooth along with preventing the spread of further infection. Root canals are performed when a crack in a tooth extends all the way down to the jaw.

A root canal will remove the decayed tooth portion as well as the damaged nerve underneath. If you have severe pain or swelling, you may need a root canal. If you don’t get treated quickly, the infection may spread and bring loss of teeth.

Often, after having a root canal, patients need to have a dental crown put on top of the cracked tooth. Once again, a temporary crown will be put on until the permanent one is built.

You will likely get x-rays to find out whether you have an infection. If a dentist determines that you need a root canal,  you will be given anesthesia to prevent pain.

Veneers fix chipped teeth

If you have cracked, weakened, damaged, or discolored teeth, you may want to talk to your dentist about getting veneers.

If you have large gaps between your teeth, veneers may also be the solution for you.

Veneers are thin, permanently bonded covers that are essentially glued to your damaged teeth. Veneers can improve the shape of your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are probably your best bet because they are the most realistic and attractive looking.

A veneer is bonded to the front of your tooth, which changes its look completely. If you take good care of your veneers, they can last up to 30 years. You won’t need to worry about replacing them and getting more dental work done if you take good care of your veneers.

However, if you regularly grind your teeth, veneers may not be the best choice for you. Nonetheless, you can get veneers to cover multiple chipped teeth and have a much more beautiful smile.

If you decide to get a veneer,  the dentist will first need to change the shape and bulkiness of your tooth to cover the front of it and make it look natural. Impressions will also be taken, which means you can decide on the look and shape of your veneer.

The veneers will be made in a lab and then bonded onto the front of your teeth. So if you want to fix your chipped teeth, getting veneers might be a great option!

Dental implants

If you have decaying teeth or gum disease and have even lost a tooth or two, you may need to receive dental implants.

Dental implants would be the best choice for your oral health and longevity. You would have a great smile and look much better after getting dental implants.

A titanium implant would be put surgically into your jaw to serve as the root of your tooth. Implants can even be used when forming a dental bridge.

The bone in your jaw will need time to fuse with the titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw line. After three to four months, a permanent crown will be placed over your tooth.

If your tooth has decayed and you have gum disease, dental implants may be your best bet.

Do you have any questions about fixing your chipped teeth? If so, leave us a reply in the comments below or contact us.