A chipped tooth can be really painful and impact your smile. So once you find notice a chipped tooth, make sure to consult a dentist immediately for treatment. The good news is, a chipped tooth has a variety of treatment options.
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic brings provides treatment procedures to manage your chipped tooth and restore your smile quickly. Our experienced and qualified cosmetic dentists can assess your dental damage and recommend the best solution for you. We use advanced techniques of cosmetic dentistry to make sure your chipped tooth appears natural and comfortable after the repair. From minor chips to serious cracks, we offer you long lasting results catering to your individual needs. Situated in London, Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic is available to repair your chipped tooth. Book an appointment with our dental specialists to repair your smile.
A chipped tooth basically means a fragment of your enamel has come off. The tooth enamel refers to the tough external layer of your teeth which safeguards the sensitive dental tissue underneath. Tooth enamel is a sturdy but a brittle substance. Dental injuries occurring from accidental falls, biting down on hard things, or various other incidents can result in the breakage of your enamel; leaving your tooth chipped.
While slight chips do not usually cause any major problems, they can interfere with your smile; making you self-conscious about your look. Severe chips cause your delicate dental tissue to be exposed. Consult a dentist or an endodontist to prevent further damage.
People often visit a dentist for a cracked tooth or a chipped tooth. But these two dental problems are quite different. A cracked tooth is a breakage which runs through your tooth, but a chipped tooth means some of your tooth enamel has broken off. Both the conditions can range from harless to severe, but both require immediate treatment.
The primary sign indicating a chipped tooth is a missing fragment of your tooth. If you have a chipped tooth at the front, you can easily notice it when you look at the mirror. You might also feel a jagged or rough edge when you run your tongue along the chip in the tooth.
Losing a large tooth fragment can expose your dental nerve inside, leading to tooth pain. When you consume or chew on some food or drinks, particularly those which are hot or cold, you might experience sensitivity in your teeth.
Some common reasons causing a chipped tooth include:
Anything which increases your risk of some kind of oral injury, such as contact sports, enhances your chance of getting a chipped tooth. However, tooth fragments break off for no apparent reason at times. Your teeth might even get chipped while you bite onto something moderately soft.
If such conditions occur, it is usually because your enamel is already worn off, making your teeth more prone to injury. Moreover, your teeth can get more vulnerable to such injuries due to:
Minor chips in the teeth do not typically cause any complications. However, a major chip causes your sensitive dental tissue to get exposed to bacteria, leading to a tooth infection. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best way to prevent such complications.
To diagnose your chipped tooth, the dentist will first conduct a thorough inspection of your teeth. Based on the severity of your tooth damage, you will be requiring X-rays.
While small chips do not usually require any treatment, larger chips may need major dental work to avoid further damage to your teeth. Besides, the dental care provider might also recommend treatments to improve your chipped tooth appearance with cosmetic dentisty. Common treatment methods include:
In mild cases of chipped teeth, the provider might just polish and smooth out the chip, making it to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
If you still have the tooth fragment which has fallen out with you, you need to store it in proper moisture in a glass of milk. Visit your dentist immediately. The dentist be able to cement the fragment onto your tooth.
Bonding involves using a composite resin material to fill in your tooth chip, so that the resin matches your natural tooth colour. It enhances the appearance of minor chips in the teeth.
Veneers refer to coverings which are used to hide or conceal imperfections in your front teeth. If you have a minor chip which requires more extensive covering than that in bonding, veneers might be the right option for you.
Crowns refer to dental caps which resemble your tooth shape and also protect a weak teeth. If you lose a large tooth fragment, a dental crown may be a suitable solution for you. A cown protects your teeth and enhances your appearance as well.
Fillings are made from materials like plastic, glass, or metal; which fill in the missing parts of your teeth. If you are having a chipped tooth in the back, you may need a dental filling.
Root canals are used to treat infections thriving in the inner part of your tooth. If you have a serious chip in your tooth which exposes the sensitive nerves inside your tooth, this root canal procedure can help you. You might also require a crown afterwards to protect the repaired area from any further damage.
A dental implant can also be helpful in repairing a chipped tooth. For serious cases where only a little tooth is left above your gum line, dental implants can be a potential solution. In such an instance, you will have to remove the tooth first and allow the gum to heal before the dentist attaches a temporary implant. After healing, a permanent metal post is inserted into the bone beneath your gum line. Then a final implant is eventually placed into the post which feels and looks like a real tooth.
If only a single part of your teeth is affected by the chip, the dentist might recommend a dental onlay which is typically applied to the surface of your molars. You will be given anaesthesia to allow the dentist work on your teeth and find room for an onlay.
In most cases, the doctor will collect a mould of your tooth and send it to a laboratory to create the onlay. After the onlay is made according to your fit, it is cemented on your tooth. Technological advancements have enabled dentists to create porcelain onlays right in the office, and they can be placed on the same day.
While dental onlays are known to last for decades, they largely depend on your food habits. For example, if you have plenty of foods which cause wear and tear on the onlays, the tooth gets affected. If a molar undergoes excessive pressure while chewing, it tends to wear away more easily.
The price of repairing a chipped tooth varies widely across different cases and locations. Several key factors influence the final cost. Firstly, the severity of the chip plays a major role – if the tooth’s nerve is exposed, more complex and costly treatment may be necessary. Secondly, the number of teeth affected can increase expenses, especially if multiple teeth are damaged due to an injury. Thirdly, the type of treatment matters; options like dental bonding tend to be more expensive than basic fillings or gluing. Additionally, prices can differ depending on your location, with dental services often costing more in certain areas of the country. Other considerations include which tooth is chipped and whether the inner pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels) is damaged. Altogether, these variables contribute to the wide range of potential costs for chipped tooth repair, making it important to consult a dentist for an accurate estimate.
Here are some estimated cost ranges for treating a chipped tooth:
While it is not always possible to prevent a chipped tooth, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of dental injuries. To help protect your teeth, consider the following tips:
Taking these precautions can strengthen your teeth and help prevent chips, cracks, and other dental issues.
If you have chipped a tooth, the most important step is to schedule an appointment with your dental care provider as soon as possible. A chipped tooth cannot be properly repaired at home, and only a dental professional can evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, there are several things you can do to protect the tooth and manage any discomfort:
Prompt professional care is essential to prevent further complications. Do not delay – schedule your dental appointment as soon as possible to restore your smile and protect your oral health.
As soon as you notice a chip in your tooth, book an appointment immediately with a dentist. A slight chip might not be a serious issue at the first place. However, a dental professional can help assess the severity of your chipped tooth. An untreated chipped tooth might lead to other problems in case the damage extends beyond the enamel.
Here is why our Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic is a trusted partner in restoring your confident smile:
Choose us to restore your smile with comfort, confidence, and care.
To book an appointment with our expert dentists at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, you can mail us at [email protected] or call us on 020 71830755.
If a very small area of your tooth has chipped, it usually smoothens out by the action of your saliva. The tooth will appear smooth over time as your tongue touches it, and you will not be able to see the chip any more.
When a very small area of your tooth gets chipped, it will feel rough on your tongue because of the enamel being exposed.
Once a tooth is chipped, the lost portion would not grow back. It is important not to ignore a chipped tooth – especially if it causes discomfort or sensitivity. Pain may indicate deeper damage. In such cases, it is best to visit your dentist, who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment to restore both function and comfort to your tooth.
While most cases of chipped tooth occur due to any trauma or injury to the tooth, natural wear and tear of teeth are also responsible for small chips. Although teeth are strong, they might get worn down from chewing and grinding over time. This kind of chip often goes unnoticed, and does not need any such treatment. If the chip is noticeable and painful, seeing your dentist can be the best option.
Chipped teeth may seem minor, especially if there is no pain, but even small chips can lead to long term issues. Sharp edges can irritate or cut the tongue and inner cheeks, causing discomfort. More importantly, a chip weakens the enamel – the protective layer of the tooth – making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause decay or infection. Over time, this can lead to more serious dental problems if left untreated. This is why it is important to have chipped teeth examined by a dentist, even if they seem harmless. Regular check-ups help prevent complications and ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong.
A chipped tooth can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity, especially if the damage exposes the dentin – the layer beneath the enamel. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the dental nerve, making it sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This sensitivity can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain, depending on how deep the chip is. If you begin to notice sensitivity after chipping a tooth, it is important to see your dentist. Treatments like dental bonding or desensitising toothpaste can help protect the exposed area and reduce discomfort, preventing further complications and improving your overall oral health.
Although trauma is a common cause of chipped teeth, several other factors can increase your risk. Weak or brittle teeth are naturally more prone to chipping, and conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage. Habits such as chewing on hard objects – like ice, hard sweets or fingernails – also contribute to the likelihood of chips over time. Identifying and managing these issues early can help protect your teeth and prevent further damage. Regular dental check-ups and lifestyle adjustments are the key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and reducing the chances of future chips.