A chipped or broken tooth might not seem serious, but this type of damage to your tooth can allow bacteria to enter the soft pulp and cause an infection, which can lead to tooth loss and gum damage. Chips and breaks can occur due to trauma, such as a fall, biting down on something that's too hard or grinding your teeth. Some health conditions that cause your bones to weaken and become brittle can also make your teeth more susceptible to chips and breaks. Read on to learn about the main options for repairing a chipped or broken tooth. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is often recommended to treat small chips, particularly on front teeth. Your dentist will apply a composite resin to the affected tooth to repair and seal the chip. The resin will be made to match the natural colour of your tooth and an ultraviolet light will be used to set the resin once it's applied. This means you can eat and drink soon after the treatment. It's difficult to spot a tooth that's been repaired with dental bonding, as the resin is so similar in appearance to the surface of your tooth. Bonding will last several years and prevent bacteria from entering your tooth.

Veneers

Larger chips and cracks on your front teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious and impact your oral health. Veneers are often recommended when the aesthetic of the tooth is severely affected. Veneers are made from resin composite or porcelain and will match the natural colour of your teeth. They are thin and look exactly like the front of your tooth, as your dentist will take an impression of the tooth being repaired to ensure the veneer fits well and looks natural. Dental cement is used to apply the veneer over the damaged tooth surface and this will ensure no bacteria can enter the soft tooth pulp below the enamel.

Crowns

If you have a back tooth that's badly chipped or broken, your dentist will take an impression of it and have a crown made. A dental crown is like a cap that fits over the affected tooth to prevent further damage and allow you to chew food comfortably. Crowns can be made from composite resin, porcelain or metal and are secured in place with dental cement. Chewing may feel a little strange when you first get a crown, but your bite will quickly adjust and it's common to adapt within a couple of weeks.

Chipped and broken teeth leave you at risk of tooth decay and a painful dental infection. If you have a damaged tooth, don't wait until your next dental check-up to have it treated. Reach out to a local dentist to learn more.

Share