Friday, February 5, 2010  |  
Is Chipping a Tooth Really that Big of a Deal?

Dentists are frequently asked questions about chipping a tooth—“Is it that big a deal? Doesn't it depend on how big the chip is? I mean if it is just a little chip, it can't be that bad...can it?” The answers to these questions are variations of the same theme. Yes, chipping a tooth means you have lost valuable tooth structure and potentially laid the foundation for additional chips and cracks. Or you may need a root canal if the chip is close to the pulp containing the nerve and it doesn't heal properly from the trauma.

As for repairing a chipped tooth, your dentist can usually fix minor chips with modern bonding techniques using tooth-colored filling materials. For larger chips that involve more tooth structure, your dentist may suggest a crown (cap) or a veneer. The most important thing to remember is that if you chip a tooth, you need to see a dental professional for a proper evaluation and treatment remedy

Learn more about Repairing Chipped Teeth

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Comments

4 Comments
Lucas said...

I chipped one of my front teeth playing basketball. It wasn’t bad so I didn’t go to my dentist. However, after reading this article I am making an appointment! Thanks, Dear Doctor.

Posted February 6, 2010 6:51 am
Bill said...

yea, i chipped a tooth and did nothing too. well until it started hurting and i ended up having to have a root canal. so yes, lucus–go to your dentist for a checkup!

Posted February 6, 2010 10:53 pm
Dennis said...

I chipped my tooth 5 years ago and really wanted veneers but couldn’t afford them at the time. My dentist did bonding which worked well. He let me know at the time it was not a permanent solution and it hasn’t been. Every 2 years or so my bonding break, probably because of all the hard candy I eat. I hope to get porcelain veneers next year to fix my teeth for good!

Posted February 8, 2010 6:05 pm
DJ said...

I have a slight chip in one of my teeth but to be honest it doesn’t really bother me too much! But I will get it fixed one day

Posted March 30, 2010 7:54 am

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