That sudden crunch while you’re eating or the unexpected jolt from a minor accident can be alarming. You run your tongue over your tooth and feel a new, sharp edge, and realize that it’s a chip. A chipped tooth feels like an emergency, but in most cases, it’s a quick fix.
Depending on the size and location of the chip, you have several repair options. Your dentist at Fairlawn Dental Centre can help with solutions ranging from simple dental bonding for minor chips to crowns, veneers, or even dental implants for more severe damage.
What to Do After You Chip a Tooth
First Steps at Home
Before you get to the dental office, a few steps for dental emergencies can help you manage the situation. First, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. If you notice any swelling, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If you can find the piece of your tooth that broke off, save it in a small container with some milk or your own saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
When to Contact Your Dentist
It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dental team as soon as you can. When you call, describe the size of the chip and let our team know if you are feeling any pain. This information helps your dentist prepare for your visit and set aside the right amount of time to address your needs.
Simple Fixes for Minor Chips: Filling & Bonding
1. Dental Fillings
If you have a small chip, especially on a molar that isn’t highly visible, a dental filling may be a suitable option. The dental team can use a tooth-coloured composite material to fill in the chipped area, restoring the tooth’s shape and function. This can often be done within a single visit, depending on the severity of the chip.
2. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another effective solution for minor chips, particularly on your front teeth. A dentist applies a durable composite resin (matched to the colour of your natural teeth) directly to the tooth. The dentist then carefully sculpts and polishes the resin to seamlessly repair the chip and blend it in with your smile.
Cosmetic Solutions: Veneers & Crowns
3. Porcelain Veneers
For chips on front teeth where appearance is a top priority, you may consider porcelain veneers. These are very thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
Veneers make the most sense when you have multiple cosmetic concerns beyond just the chip—such as discoloration, slight misalignment, or gaps—or when the chip is too large for bonding to provide a seamless, long-lasting result. Because veneers require removing a small amount of enamel and involve multiple appointments for preparation and placement, they’re typically recommended when you want a complete smile transformation rather than a simple repair.
4. Dental Crowns
For a larger chip or a weakened tooth, your dentist may suggest a dental crown. The crown covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection from further damage. It also restores the tooth’s original shape, size, and function, making it a reliable solution for more significant breaks.
Unlike bonding or veneers that cover only the visible surface, crowns are needed when the chip compromises the tooth’s structural integrity. The process typically requires two visits—one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and another to fit the permanent crown once it’s been custom-made in a lab.
Options for Severely Damaged Teeth
5. Root Canal & Crown
Sometimes, a chip is so deep that it exposes the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If you’re experiencing sharp pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or throbbing that won’t go away, this may be what’s happening. When the pulp is exposed, a root canal is needed to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection. Afterward, your dentist places a crown over the tooth to protect it and restore its structure.
Without treatment, an exposed pulp can lead to a painful abscess or bone loss, so it’s important to schedule treatment promptly even if the pain temporarily subsides.
6. Dental Implants
If a tooth is broken below the gumline or is too damaged to save, extraction becomes necessary. In these cases, a dental implant can serve as a long-term replacement. Your dentist places a titanium post in your jawbone, which fuses with the bone over several months. Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached to the post, giving you a replacement tooth that looks and functions like your natural tooth.
While implants are the most durable option, the process takes 3-6 months from start to finish. Your dentist can also discuss alternatives like bridges or partial dentures depending on your situation and timeline.
Preventing Future Chips
Once your tooth is repaired, you can reduce the risk of future damage with a few precautions. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects your teeth from excessive force. For athletes, a sports guard prevents chips from impacts during games or practice.
Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth to open packages—common culprits behind chipped teeth. Regular dental checkups also help catch weakened areas or old fillings that might be at risk before they break.
Get Your Chipped Tooth Fixed
Don’t wait to repair a chipped tooth. Even small chips can worsen over time or create sharp edges that irritate your tongue and cheeks. The sooner you address it, the simpler and less expensive the repair tends to be.At Fairlawn Dental Centre, many chipped tooth repairs can be completed in a single appointment.
Contact our Ottawa office to schedule a consultation and find the right solution for your situation.
