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Chipped Tooth Repair

Chipped teeth can result from a range of unexpected mishaps and everyday activities, from sports injuries to crunching popcorn kernels. At Gentle Dental, our expert dentists employ advanced techniques to restore both the beauty and functionality of your teeth, ensuring you leave with your most radiant smile.
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How Are Chipped Teeth Repaired?

A chipped tooth may seem like a big deal, but fixing it is a pretty straightforward process. Depending on the size and location of the chip, your dentist can simply bond a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected area, sculpting and polishing it to restore that perfect tooth appearance. This conservative repair protects the inner tooth and blends seamlessly with your smile.

For larger chips or cracks, a crown or veneer may be the ideal solution. These tooth-colored shells cap over the entire visible portion of the tooth, not only fixing the chip but strengthening and protecting the remaining tooth structure. Modern dental crowns and veneers look incredibly natural and are extremely durable. Getting your chipped tooth repaired has so many benefits - it prevents further cracking or decay, eliminates any discomfort from a rough edge, and, most importantly, allows you to smile with confidence!

What Can We Help You With Today?

What To Expect

If you're receiving bonding, your dentist will first slightly roughen the area to be repaired and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere. They'll then apply a tooth-colored composite resin in layers, sculpting and shaping it as it hardens with a curing light. They will then polish the bonding to a smooth, natural-looking finish that blends seamlessly with your tooth.

If you need a crown or veneer for a larger chip, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a thin outer layer to allow room for the new restoration to fit over the top. They'll take impressions or digital scans, then have your permanent crown or veneer custom-made by a dental lab. You'll get a temporary restoration for a couple of weeks while you wait. At your next visit, the new crown or veneer is checked for fit and bite, then securely bonded into place.

Bonding takes around an hour or less to complete. Crowns and veneers require two visits spaced 1-3 weeks apart. Recovery is quick—you may experience slight sensitivity to hot/cold initially, but that goes away in a few days. With good oral hygiene habits, bonding can last 3-7 years, while crowns and veneers commonly last 10-15 years before replacement is needed.

After The Procedure

Once the repair is completed, you can expect immediate improvement in the appearance of your tooth and enhanced comfort while chewing and speaking. Our team will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions to ensure the longevity of the repair and maintain optimal oral health. Additionally, we are always available to address any concerns or questions you may have following the procedure, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.

Am I a Candidate for Chipped Tooth Repair?

Those who have small to moderate tooth chips can get them easily repaired at Gentle Dental. Ideal candidates for chipped tooth repair include:

  • Anyone with a minor chip or crack in a tooth, especially on the front teeth that are visible when smiling
  • Individuals with a larger chip or crack that doesn't extend below the gum line
  • Patients whose chipped tooth doesn't have an underlying cavity or decay
  • People with chipped teeth caused by injury, biting on something hard, grinding/clenching, or general wear over time  
  • Teenagers and adults - chipped tooth repairs are very durable for permanent teeth
  • Those who want to restore the appearance and function of their chipped tooth quickly and easily
  • Individuals who have healthy tooth structure remaining around the chipped area to support the repair
  • Patients looking for an affordable and conservative way to fix a chipped tooth before more damage occurs 
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Enhance Your Smile

Schedule a consultation at Gentle Dental to explore options for enhancing your smile and improving your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a chipped tooth?

A chipped tooth can result from various factors, including trauma from accidents or injuries, biting down on hard objects, tooth decay, or weakened tooth structure due to large fillings.

Is it necessary to repair a chipped tooth?

What are the treatment options for repairing a chipped tooth?

Is chipped tooth repair painful?

How long does chipped tooth repair take?

Can a chipped tooth be repaired quickly?

Will my insurance cover the cost of chipped tooth repair?

How long will the repair last?

Can a chipped tooth repair be undone?

How can I prevent chipping my teeth in the future?