Chipped teeth often happen during daily activities like eating, falling, or getting bumped in the mouth. Some chips seem small but go deeper than they look, causing pain, sharp edges, or sensitivity. When this happens, it is important to act quickly because waiting can lead to more damage. In this guide, we explain all about how to fix a chipped tooth.
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ToggleYes, dentist Kirkland, WA can repair most chipped teeth. The dentist looks at the tooth to see how deep the chip is and how much of the tooth is affected. If the chip is small, the repair is usually quick and easy. If the chip is larger, the tooth may need more care to stay strong and healthy. In most cases, the dentist can fix a chipped tooth safely and without pain, so there is no need to feel nervous.
There are different ways to fix a chipped tooth, and the right treatment depends on how big the chip is and where it is on the tooth. Below, we explain each treatment clearly.
If a chip goes deep and reaches the nerve, the tooth can start to hurt or swell. It may also get infected if not treated. To help, the dentist uses root canal treatment and adds a crown. This stops the pain, protects the tooth, and makes it strong again.
The dentist uses dental veneers when the chip is on the front of the tooth and affects how it looks. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front part and hide the chip. They help fix a chipped tooth by making it smooth and natural-looking.
The dentist uses a dental crown when the chip is large or the tooth is weak. A crown covers the whole tooth and keeps it strong. It helps fix a chipped tooth by protecting it from more damage. The dentist makes sure the crown matches your natural tooth color.
The best dentist in Kirkland, WA uses dental bonding when the chip is small and does not go deep. A tooth-colored resin fills the chipped area and shapes the tooth back to normal. This helps fix a chipped tooth quickly and at a lower cost. The treatment usually takes one visit.
You cannot fix a chipped tooth at home, but you can protect it for a short time. Follow these steps until you visit a dentist who can fix a chipped tooth the right way:
You should not ignore a chipped tooth. It may look small but cause bigger problems later. You can fix a chipped tooth in many ways. Dentists use bonding, crowns, veneers, or root canals depending on the damage. If you fix a chipped tooth early, you save time, money, and pain. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
A chipped tooth loses a small piece from the edge. A cracked tooth has a deep line or split that may go into the root.
You may feel sharp edges, pain, or sensitivity to hot or cold. You may also see a change in tooth shape or color.
You can rinse with warm salt water, avoid using the broken tooth, take pain medicine, and visit a dentist soon.
Yes. Many chipped teeth can be fixed in one visit with bonding, filling, or smoothing.
The cost depends on the treatment. Bonding is less expensive. Crowns and veneers cost more. Insurance may help with the cost.
No. A chipped tooth can get worse. It may cause pain, infection, or more damage if left untreated.