How Do Dentists Repair a Chipped Tooth?

No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. One minute, you're enjoying a pleasant meal, and a moment later, you feel a crunch—a chipped tooth. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way; nowadays, your dentist can repair chips and damage to restore your smile. So how do dentists repair a chipped tooth?

Dentists can repair a chipped tooth with:

  • Bonding & Filling

  • Dental inlays

  • Dental crowns

  • Veneers

  • Root canals

  • Extractions

Is a Chipped Tooth an Emergency?

A chipped tooth isn't always an emergency—especially if the damage is minor. Small chips and damage don't require immediate intervention, but you should still contact your dentist as soon as you can to prevent further damage. If the chip is severe enough to expose the underlying layers and tissue, bacteria can enter and cause all kinds of havoc.

Recognizing the signs that you’re dealing with a serious chip is key. While minor discomfort is to be expected, anything more than moderate discomfort is unusual. Some signs that indicate you're experiencing severe damage can include:

  • Intense pain or discomfort

  • Sharp or jagged edges

  • Swelling or bleeding gums

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks

If you notice any extreme symptoms, visit your dentist for emergency dental care. Chipped teeth can quickly lead to permanent damage and infection, so don't put your health at risk—not when your dentist can repair a chipped tooth.

Bonding & Filling

One of the most common methods for repairing a chipped tooth is bonding a filling to the area. This procedure is relatively quick and painless, making it ideal for minor chips.

This process involves applying a tooth-coloured filling to the chipped area. The dentist shapes and smooths the resin to match the natural contour of your tooth before hardening it with a special light. This creates a strong bond between the resin and the tooth, effectively restoring its appearance and function.

This doesn't just fix the chip—it restores the aesthetics and function of your smile. Bonding and filling can often be completed in a single visit, but only works for minor damage. Anything more severe may require a more advanced approach.

Dental Onlays

Another effective method for repairing a chipped tooth is through dental onlays. Onlays are ideal for when bonding is no longer a possibility but more advanced methods are unnecessary.

Dental onlays are custom-made to fit the damaged portion of the tooth, and act as a natural-looking replacement for the missing piece. They’re made of durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin that serve to help restore both function and aesthetics to your teeth.

Onlays require two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth to create a custom onlay. They'll likely install a temporary filling to keep your tooth protected while the onlay is made. Then, you'll return so they can bond the onlay in place.

Veneers

Veneers are a popular option for all kinds of cosmetic damage—particularly when the front teeth are affected. Veneers are customized thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They act and appear like your natural teeth, but can be customized in shape, size, and colour to give you an appearance you love.

To get veneers:

  • Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth.

  • They will take impressions of your tooth to create a custom veneer.

  • A temporary veneer might be placed to protect your tooth while the custom veneer is made.

  • On your next visit, the dentist will bond the permanent veneer to your tooth.

  • Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and appearance.

Throughout this process, you're welcome to ask questions or raise any concerns. With veneers, the goal is simple—to give you a smile you love!

A split image showing a woman's smile before and after receiving veneers.

Extraction

Sometimes, a chipped tooth can pose a significant threat to your health. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a full tooth extraction. However, this process is reserved for cases where the damage is extreme; it's rarely used as anything other than a last resort.

If extraction is required, your dentist will discuss replacement options like dental implants or bridges to restore the function and appearance of your smile. These options act as long-lasting durable replacements to your teeth to keep the rest of your smile aligned.

Tooth extractions are serious, but, with an experienced dentist, you can regain your smile.

Visit Your Dentist

Don't ignore severe dental damage; it can quickly lead to permanent damage and worse problems. If you're dealing with a chipped tooth, reach out to our team at Shine Dental. We'll examine the situation and explore potential solutions to restore your smile. Contact our team today for your dental care—we're here to help!

Jonathan Wiebe