If you chip a tooth, you want to make sure you have it repaired quickly. You may have questions about the different methods the dentist can use to fix the tooth. This article will help you to understand how a chipped tooth can be fixed and why you don't want to put off having it taken care of.

What can happen when you chip a tooth?

When you chip a piece off of one of your teeth, the outer protective layer known as the enamel will be removed. This means the inner part of your tooth is no longer being properly protected from bacteria and plaque. Now, the plaque that takes a while to make its way through the hard enamel can instead quickly start damaging your tooth.

A chipped tooth will generally chip in a way that leaves sharp corners or edges. This puts you at risk for getting cuts or sores in your mouth when your tongue or the inside of your cheeks and lips come in contact with that part of the tooth.

How can a chipped tooth be fixed?

The dentist will examine the tooth and give you recommendations. Some of the more common ways for fig chipped teeth include:

Bonding – The dentist can use an etching acid to rough up the surface of your tooth and apply a bonding material to the tooth and shape it so it looks like your natural tooth before you chipped it. The color of the bonding will be matched to the rest of your tooth, so no one will know the tooth ever had any damage to it. Once the bonding is on, a special light will be used to harden it, and the dentist will polish it.

Crown – If the tooth has a significant chip in it, the dentist may suggest putting a crown on it. To do this, they will grind the tooth down to allow room for the crown and the cement that holds it in place. The dentist will place the crown on the tooth with the cement, and you'll be good to go with a crown that looks just like the rest of your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneer – The dentist may want to use a porcelain veneer to fix the tooth. A dental veneer is similar to a crown in that it is cemented onto your tooth, but it is a thin layer made of porcelain. The result is a strong, natural looking replacement that covers the damaged tooth completely.

Now that you have a better understanding of how a chipped tooth can cause you problems and you know the different repair options, you can discuss your situation with your dentist in a better informed manner.

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