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Will My Chipped Tooth Heal?

December 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — tmarkle @ 12:44 am
Man with chipped tooth

The human body is incredible! If you accidentally get a papercut or stub your toe, your body will miraculously repair itself within weeks or even days of the incident depending on the severity of your injury. Your body can fight off infections and restore its health. However, does this apply to your teeth? If you have a chipped tooth, will it heal itself? Read on to find out.

Will a Chipped Tooth Repair Itself?

Enamel may be the hardest substance in the entire body, but it isn’t indestructible. Chipped teeth, no matter how minor or severe, will not repair themselves on their own. At their best, teeth can remineralize, but they will not “grow back.” Only restorative or cosmetic dental treatments are able to restore teeth that have been broken or chipped.

Do You Need to Visit the Dentist for Minor Chips?

Teeth that have been chipped will only become damaged further if you don’t receive dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the break, there are a variety of solutions that can help to restore the appearance and integrity of your smile. It is especially important to head to the dental office if the tooth is jagged or sharp, as you could end up injuring your gums or oral tissue.

What Treatments Are Used for Chipped Teeth?

Your dentist is likely to recommend one of these two options for your chipped tooth:

Dental Bonding

Our cosmetic dentist will be able to use a tooth-colored composite resin that they can sculpt and shape to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your tooth. This is an affordable option that can easily fix small flaws in your smile. In addition to chips, it can cover discoloration and stains. Depending on the location and how well you care for it, bonding can last up to approximately ten years before you will need touchups again.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell made from wafer-thin, custom-made tooth-colored porcelain. It is designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. This can be placed in just two easy visits to your dentist. The first appointment involves preparing your tooth by removing a small amount of protective enamel from the front-facing surface of the tooth. Bite impressions are then taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneer will be created. In just a few weeks, you will have another appointment where the cosmetic dentist will place your veneer on your tooth. This option is ideal for fixing chips, misshapen teeth, stains, small gaps, and undersized teeth. It should last approximately 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Your chipped tooth may not heal on its own, but you don’t need to leave it how it is. By seeing your dentist at your earliest convenience, you can discuss which restorative or cosmetic solution is best for you!

About the Author

Dr. Travis A. Markle is an experienced dentist who opened the doors to his dental office in 2006. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and an Associate Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is also a member of the American College of Dentists, Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Tyler, visit his website or call (903) 597-7902.

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