How to Fix a Chipped or Cracked Tooth Fast
Almost everyone has had a chipped or cracked tooth. It can happen by biting something hard or falling, but it can also happen over time, which makes chipped tooth treatment one of the most common procedures out there.
How can you tell if a cracked tooth needs repair urgently or if it needs a more simple treatment? At DPI Dental we’re asked this all the time, which is why we wrote this small guide to help you understand what’s going on.
How to Tell If It’s a Crack or Just a Chip
First things first, you need to be able to tell apart a cracked tooth vs. a chipped tooth, because they can be very different.
Chips tend to be small and affect mostly the enamel, which is the first layer of your tooth. They’re often completely painless and merely cosmetic.
Cracks, on the other hand, reach a deeper layer of the teeth and can cause sensitivity, pain, and discomfort while chewing.
Some other cracked tooth symptoms to watch out for are:
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods
- Swelling around the gums
The difference between a cracked tooth vs. a chipped tooth can be boiled down to surface damage vs structural damage, and the fixes often operate under the same logic.
What to Do if a Tooth Chips
Easy, you fix it. Luckily, fixing a chipped tooth quickly is fairly straightforward, with the process often depending on how much structure was lost.
Small chips can be corrected with smoothing and polishing, while larger chips may need some form of restorative treatment to protect and reinforce the remaining tooth while restoring its shape.
Some chipped tooth repair options include:
- Smoothing sharp edges
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental crowns
One of the most common solutions for chipped teeth is dental bonding, where we use a tooth-colored composite material to rebuild the missing area in a way that blends with your natural tooth.
Cracks Need Immediate Attention
Unlike minor chips, cracks can worsen over time if left untreated, which is why you shouldn’t postpone cracked tooth repair.
It’s not just the discomfort you have to worry about either. If a crack extends into the inner layers of the tooth, you can even get an infection, which can become life-threatening if left untreated for long.
Even in the case of chips, the structure can be compromised, which leads to weaker teeth that can crack more easily.
Temporary fixes for chipped teeth can only do so much, so the sooner you evaluate and treat the damage, the more affordable the treatment will be.
When to Stop Waiting and Get It Checked
A small chip can turn into a bigger structural problem faster than most people expect. If you’ve noticed sensitivity, visible damage, or discomfort when chewing, it’s worth having it examined to find out if you need a chipped tooth treatment.
If something feels off, don’t wait for it to get worse before you seek treatment. Give us a call at DPI Dental or book your appointment online. We even take in walk-ins when we can, so make the time to get your teeth checked.
FAQ's
Does teeth grinding chip teeth?
It can, as grinding puts a lot of pressure on the enamel and weakens the structure over time.
Do children need treatment for chipped teeth?
Unless that tooth is about to fall off, chances are it does need treatment. After all, kids can still get sensitivity, irritation, and infections. When in doubt, don’t risk it. Get that tooth evaluated.
Can a tooth crack be invisible?
Yes. Often, because of their position or their size, tooth cracks can’t be seen without magnification, and the only way you realize they’re there is through discomfort and pain.
Can I fix a cracked tooth at home?
No. Temporary kits or dental wax may cover a sharp edge, but they don’t restore strength or stop a crack from spreading. Those over-the-counter treatments are there to provide some relief while you schedule a dentist appointment.
Does insurance cover chipped tooth treatments?
Most dental plans cover treatment when it restores function or prevents further damage, though coverage levels vary. Here’s a list of the insurances we work with, but if you have any doubts, give us a call.