Whether you’ve simply fallen during a physical activity or chewed on a piece of hard candy, a chipped tooth can leave you feeling quite embarrassed. Before you begin to panic, a chipped tooth can always be repaired. There are actually several methods that can be used to get your smile looking back to normal.

Different Kinds of Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Craze lines are one of the more common types of cracked teeth in adults and this really only affects the outer enamel. These are typically shallow and do not cause any pain.

A fractured cusp occurs when part of the tooth’s chewing surface comes off but fortunately, no pain is caused.

Cracked teeth should be treated immediately! A cracked tooth generally extends from the chewing surface directly to the root. If you don’t diagnose and fix the problem, it will grow worse over time.

Well, if you haven’t repaired that cracked tooth, you most likely now have a split tooth. Unfortunately, there will be very apparent segments that are separated and the tooth cannot be saved intact.

Methods to Repair Your Chipped Tooth

1. Dental Bonding

Composite bonding is one of the most popular methods in repairing chipped, cracked or decayed teeth. Once this process is completed, your fixed tooth will last up to an entire decade! The tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid is put on. Next, putty is applied and molded, and a UV light hardens the composite. Once dried, the material is polished to match the other teeth.

2. Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a bit pricier but aesthetically, they are the most authentic. Veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth and last roughly 30 years.

A portion of the tooth’s structure needs to be removed and then impressions will be taken. You can select the size, shape and shade. You’ll wear temporary veneers while these ones are being made at the lab. Once these are all set, you can have the veneers bonded to the front of your teeth.

3. Crowns

Crowns are necessary when you feel discomfort chewing or drinking. This restorative treatment is used often and acts as a cap that covers the tooth. A crown will prevent you from losing your tooth and stop any pain that occurs during chewing.

4. Root Canal

A root canal must be executed if the crack in your tooth extends into the pulp. A crown should be put on after the procedure to protect the crack. This procedure involves clearing the decayed tooth and removing the nerve.

5. Dental Implant

When you have a crack that goes beneath the gum line, the tooth cannot be treated. Your tooth will need to be pulled out and a dental implant will be needed. Dental implants act as the root of the tooth and are placed in the jawbone.

If you’re suffering from a broken or cracked tooth, contact the team at Lindner Dental at 603.944.9196. We also offer pediatric dentistry, infant dental care, Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry.