How to Fix Chipped Teeth

We offer chipped tooth repair in Scottsdale, AZ, because chips can worsen, detract from your smile’s appearance, and even lead to tooth loss.

Chips can be small and merely cosmetic or more serious, so we recommend contacting our dental office if you have a cracked or chipped tooth.

Why Do Teeth Chip?

There are several reasons why your teeth might be chipping. The best way to figure out why teeth chip is to schedule an appointment at Serenity Smiles in Scottsdale. Common reasons why teeth chip include:

Untreated Tooth Decay: If you have a dental cavity and don’t seek treatment, it leaves your tooth vulnerable to breakage or chipping.

Bruxism: Grinding and clenching your teeth puts you at risk for TMJ and tooth chips and fractures.

Trauma: Trauma may be due to an injury or biting into something hard like an ice cube or almond.

Misaligned Bite: Bite misalignment puts a lot of stress on certain teeth. Over time, these teeth can chip or fracture.

Weak Tooth Enamel: Weak tooth enamel can result from poor oral hygiene, brushing too hard, or other underlying reasons. Weak enamel puts your teeth at risk for breakage.

What to Do with a Chipped Tooth

If you chip your tooth, the first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water to clear any debris and lower your risk for infection.

Next, you should use gauze if you have any on hand to stop the bleeding. We recommend gentle pressure.

If you’re on holiday and can’t see your emergency dentist in Scottsdale, consider a sealant sold over the counter—dental cement—to close off the chip until you see the dentist.

We strongly urge you to call our dental office as soon as possible at (480) 470-0784 if you have a bleeding chip or causing pain.

Diagnosing Chipped Teeth in Scottsdale, AZ

A chip may be small or cosmetic, medium, or large. Depending on the extent of the chip, our dentist will talk to you about the correct treatment to restore your tooth.

Small Cosmetic Chip

If the tooth’s integrity is not compromised, your dentist may smooth out the chip and finish with a polish. This method restores the beauty and symmetry of the tooth, and it may not require further work.

Medium or Significant Chipped Tooth

A severe crack can reach the tooth root and cause bleeding. In this case, your dentist will talk to you about treatment options to save the tooth and restore its function.

Split Tooth or Root

A split tooth may be vertical and is typically found on molars. In some cases, the tooth requires extraction and replacement. A split root is generally painful and can lead to swelling and inflammation.

Dental Bonding

Your dentist can use tooth bonding to restore function and aesthetics for less severe tooth chips and cracks.

Dental bonding is a composite material spread across the chip or crack. Your dentist uses the resin to restore your tooth’s look and fill the crack or chip. The material is set with a special light and polished for a natural, tooth-colored finish.

Tooth Splinting

If the tooth is loose due to trauma, your dentist can bond it to the neighboring tooth for needed support, allowing it time to heal.

Root Canal Treatment

Your dentist typically recommends root canal treatment for a split root or a chip that exposes the pulp. The root canal removes the inflamed material from the tooth, and we close it with a healing agent and temporary filling. Then, at a later appointment, we provide a dental crown to restore stability.

A dental crown is a custom tooth cap that matches your surrounding teeth.

Extractions and Tooth Replacement Options

For a tooth chipped or fractured below the gumline, we often recommend extraction followed by tooth replacement.

Our tooth replacement options include:

Dental Bridge
Dental Implant

Your dentist will discuss these options with you and help you make the best choice for your ongoing oral health.

Lowering Your Risks for Tooth Chips and Fractures

Visit Your Scottsdale, AZ, dentist on schedule for dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
Brush and floss at least twice daily or after every meal.
Talk to your dentist if you suspect bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching during sleep).
Wear the proper face equipment when playing sports.
Don’t bite down on ice or other objects not meant for chewing.

Contact Serenity Smiles for Chipped Tooth Repair in Scottsdale