Chipped and Broken Teeth: Repair Options and Care

A chipped or broken tooth can happen in seconds. A slip on the ice. A hard piece of popcorn. A sports injury. Even using your teeth to open packaging can do it.

Small chips may seem harmless, but they can expose tooth enamel, irritate soft tissue, and lead to bigger issues. Cracked teeth and deeper breaks need fast attention to prevent infection or long-term damage.

Here is a simple guide on how dentists fix a chipped tooth, what your repair options look like, and how to protect your natural tooth after treatment.

What Happens When a Tooth Chips or Cracks?

Your teeth are strong, but they are not indestructible. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Still, impact, grinding, or decay can cause it to fracture.

A chip can be tiny. Sometimes it only affects the surface. Other times, it exposes the dentin or even the inner pulp. The deeper the break, the more urgent the care.

Common signs include:

• Sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Pain when biting down

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call your dentist. Even a small chip can worsen quickly.

Options to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Dentists have several ways to restore chipped teeth. The right method depends on the size of the break, location, and overall tooth health.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is often the first choice for small chips. A tooth-coloured composite resin is shaped to fill the missing area. The dentist blends the bonding material with your natural tooth, then hardens it with a special light. The result looks seamless.

Bonding is:

• Fast (usually under an hour)
• Affordable
• Ideal for front tooth repairs

It’s not as strong as porcelain, but it works well for minor damage.

Veneers

If the chip is on a front tooth and affects your smile, a veneer may be an option. A thin porcelain shell is placed over the front surface. Veneers match your tooth colour and provide a strong, long-lasting finish. They are more durable than composite resin but require more preparation.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used for larger breaks. They cover the entire tooth and restore strength. Crowns can be porcelain, ceramic, or a mix of materials. They work well when too much enamel is lost or if the tooth is cracked.

Root Canal Therapy

A deep crack or break can expose the pulp inside the tooth. This often leads to pain and infection risks. A root canal removes the damaged tissue inside, disinfects the space, and seals the root.
After a root canal, a crown is usually placed to protect the tooth from further damage.

Emergency Fixes

If the break is severe or painful, temporary fixes may be used. These protect the tooth until full treatment can be done. Never try to glue a piece back on yourself. Dentistry materials exist for a reason.

Caring for a Chipped or Repaired Tooth

After treatment, your tooth needs a bit of attention. Many repairs look natural and strong but still require good care.

Here are simple tips you can use following a treatment addressing a chipped tooth:

• Avoid biting hard foods on the repaired side for a few days
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Brush and floss daily to keep the area clean
• Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the repair

Bonding, veneers, and crowns can last many years with proper care. But no repair lasts forever. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard to prevent future damage.

Preventing Chips and Breaks

Accidents happen, but you can lower your risk. Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candy. Wear protective gear during sports. Treat decay early so weakened enamel doesn’t crack under pressure. And never use your teeth to open a package, no matter how tempting it seems.

When to See a Dentist

If your tooth is chipped, cracked, sensitive, or painful, get it checked. Even if you think it’s small, a dentist can confirm whether the damage is only cosmetic or something deeper. Quick care can save your natural tooth and prevent bigger problems.

Chipped Teeth Can Often Be Saved and Your Smile Restored

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, book an appointment with Axiom Dental today. Our team offers comfortable, professional care to restore your smile with confidence. Enjoy first-class care from a dentist who prioritizes not only the patient but the overall experience at our clinic. Contact us at Axiom Dental to identify the next steps in treating teeth that have experienced chips, cracks, or breaks.