Chipping a tooth might sound rare, but it’s actually one of the most common dental mishaps and it can happen to just about anyone. Whether you bite down on something unexpectedly hard or experience a minor accident, even the toughest teeth can crack.
While tooth enamel is known to be harder than steel, that doesn’t make it unbreakable. In reality, chipped teeth are far more frequent than most people realize.
If you’ve recently chipped or broken a tooth, this guide will walk you through the immediate steps to take plus share some smart tips to help prevent it from happening again.
What Should You Do When a Tooth Chips?
The moment you chip a tooth, your top priority should be to see a dentist as soon as possible. Getting it professionally treated right away helps prevent further complications including the risk of losing the tooth altogether.
In many cases, chipped teeth are caused by underlying issues like cavities or inflammation. If ignored, the damage can deepen and even spread infection to the surrounding gums and tissue turning a small problem into a major one.
Another reason not to delay treatment is structural weakness. A chipped tooth becomes more vulnerable to breaking again, and in some cases, that can result in the need for a full extraction with higher treatment costs down the line.
Also, depending on where the chip occurred, the broken tooth may leave behind sharp edges that can injure your tongue, cheeks, or inner lips making everyday actions like talking or chewing uncomfortable and risky.
How to Temporarily Manage a Chipped Tooth at Home?
While only a dental professional can truly fix a chipped tooth, there are a few steps you can take at home to minimize discomfort and prevent further damage until you reach the dentist. If the chipped part has created a sharp edge, it can hurt your tongue or cheeks. To protect your mouth, cover the sharp area with sugar-free chewing gum, dental wax, or even a wet tea bag as a short-term cushion.
To ease the pain or swelling, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, and gently apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the affected area.
Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth to prevent additional fractures. Stick to soft foods and rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.
If clove oil is available, dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the sensitive area its natural numbing effect can offer quick relief.
To reduce the risk of further damage, especially if you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard while sleeping.
And finally, if you’re able to floss around the affected tooth without causing pain, it may help remove debris and reduce pressure buildup.
How Do Dentists Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Repairing a chipped tooth isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure your dentist will choose the most suitable treatment based on several factors. These include the location of the damaged tooth, the extent of the chipping, your budget, potential allergies, and the overall condition of your oral health.
For minor chips, your dentist may recommend dental bonding, a quick and affordable option where a tooth-colored resin is shaped and hardened to restore your tooth’s natural look.
If the damage is more noticeable, especially on front teeth, porcelain veneers may be used. These custom-made shells not only repair the chip but also enhance the appearance of your smile.
For larger fractures or when the tooth’s structure is compromised, a dental crown might be necessary to protect and restore strength to the tooth.
In cases where the pulp (nerve) is exposed or infected, root canal treatment followed by a crown may be required to save the tooth.
Every smile is unique that’s why an accurate evaluation by a dental professional is essential to choose the safest and most effective solution.
Dental Bonding or Filling: A Quick Fix for Minor Tooth Damage
Dental bonding is one of the most effective and affordable solutions for repairing minor chips or cracks in a tooth. This cosmetic procedure uses a tooth-colored composite resin, which has a clay-like texture, to restore the shape and appearance of the damaged area.
To ensure the results look natural, your dentist will carefully match the color of the resin to your surrounding teeth. The process begins by preparing the chipped tooth rough edges are smoothed out, and the surface is cleaned to allow the material to bond properly.
Next, the dentist applies the composite resin directly onto the tooth, skillfully shaping and sculpting it to match your tooth’s original form. Once the desired shape is achieved, a blue curing light is used to harden the material, securing it in place.
This entire treatment is painless, quick, and typically completed in a single visit. However, bonding is only recommended for minor cosmetic damage. If the tooth is severely broken or the inner structure is affected, your dentist may suggest a more durable solution like a crown or veneer.
Dental Crowns for a Chipped Tooth
Dental crowns are another reliable option when it comes to repairing chipped or broken teeth, especially if the damage is more extensive or affects a molar. Crowns work by covering the entire tooth, restoring both its function and appearance.
To begin the process, your dentist will first clean and shape the chipped tooth by smoothing out any jagged edges. Then, they’ll take impressions of your teeth to ensure the crown fits perfectly.
There are two main ways to take these impressions:
- Traditional Molding: You bite into a soft material to create a mold, which is then sent to a dental lab. This process takes a few weeks, during which a temporary crown might be placed.
- Traditional Molding: You bite into a soft material to create a mold, which is then sent to a dental lab. This process takes a few weeks, during which a temporary crown might be placed.
- Traditional Molding: You bite into a soft material to create a mold, which is then sent to a dental lab. This process takes a few weeks, during which a temporary crown might be placed.
When selecting a crown material, your dentist will consider both durability and appearance. Porcelain crowns offer a natural look and are great for front teeth, while zirconia crowns are stronger and better suited for back teeth where more pressure is applied. You may also consider metal-fused porcelain crowns, which are less aesthetic but more affordable and resilient.
Crowns are a long-lasting solution that not only restore function but also help protect your tooth from further damage.
Veneers for a Chipped Tooth
Veneers are widely known for creating the “Hollywood Smile,” but they also serve as an excellent solution for repairing chipped or broken front teeth. Unlike dental crowns, veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, making them ideal for minor to moderate aesthetic repairs.
At Dentynic, we typically use porcelain veneers due to their natural appearance and compatibility with the CAD/CAM technique a digital design system that ensures precision and efficiency. However, if you prefer a traditional approach, we also offer conventional veneer preparation and fabrication.
To begin, your dentist will gently file down the surface of the affected tooth to create space and ensure a proper fit. Depending on your chosen method, they will either take a digital scan for CAD/CAM processing or use a mold to create a physical impression.
With CAD/CAM, your veneers are designed and 3D-printed in a day or two. If you opt for the traditional method, the mold is sent to an off-site laboratory, and your custom veneers are ready within a week. In both cases, the result is a flawless restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth in the UK?
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth in the UK can vary widely depending on the treatment you choose. Each option offers different benefits, and your dentist will recommend one based on the severity of the damage, your preferences, and your budget.
Here’s a general breakdown of average prices in the UK:
- Porcelain Veneers: £1,000 – £1,300 per tooth
- Zirconia Crowns: £520 – £700 per tooth
- Porcelain Crowns: £550 – £630 per tooth
- Dental Bonding: £170 – £350 per tooth
These prices can be a significant burden for many, especially when multiple teeth are involved. This is why many people are now turning to dental tourism to access the same treatments at lower costs abroad.
For example, in Turkey, you can get high-quality porcelain veneers for just £210 – £290 per tooth. In many cases, this is even cheaper than bonding in the UK, making Turkey a popular destination for affordable and reliable dental care.
Conclusion:
Fixing a chipped or broken tooth is often a simple procedure especially when addressed promptly. The key is not to delay your dental visit. Your dentist will first examine the tooth to determine the underlying cause of the damage. If decay or cavities are the reason, they’ll need to be treated first usually with a root canal.
Once that’s done, your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment whether that’s bonding, a crown, or a veneer to restore both function and appearance. Early action prevents further complications and ensures your smile stays healthy and confident.