Human teeth are incredibly sturdy and durable, but they are not invincible. Years of chewing, dental injuries, or bad habits like grinding or using teeth to open bottles can leave unsightly chips in the enamel that can make your smile more vulnerable to injury and infection. Chipped teeth don’t heal on their own, but here’s a brief guide to how your dentist can repair your pearly whites so you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
What Can Chip or Crack My Teeth?
Teeth can be damaged by a range of factors such as:
- Chewing on ice or inedible objects such as paperclips, toothpicks, or writing utensils
- Injuries such as those occurring from falls or when playing sports
- Using the teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
- Wear and tear due to decades of use
Chipped teeth are more vulnerable to further injury, infection, and loss, which means it’s important to have them treated in a timely manner.
Why Doesn’t Enamel Heal on Its Own?
Unlike many of the tissues in the human body, dental enamel does not have the ability to heal from damage or replace lost structure. While enamel does absorb nutrients and minerals from the saliva, this will only reinforce its existing structure and will not repair damage such as cracks and chips. The only way to repair damaged teeth is to have them treated by a qualified dentist.
How Can My Dentist Treat Chipped Teeth?
Luckily, modern dental science has given us a number of ways to address chipped, cracked, fractured, or otherwise damaged teeth. These include:
- Cosmetic bonding: Your dentist applies a small amount of tooth colored-resin to the damaged area and shapes it until it is flush with the rest of the smile. This painless procedure can be completed in minutes during a routine dental procedure with no anesthesia.
- Dental crowns: These caps are designed to fit over damaged teeth to restore their strength, function, and appearance while protecting them from further injury.
- Veneers: These thin ceramic shells are designed to mimic the strength and appearance of natural enamel and can completely transform a smile by concealing defects such as cracks, chips, gaps, and stains.
Neglecting to treat a chipped tooth can lead to a slew of oral health problems including more severe injury, dental infection, miserable toothache, and tooth loss. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to repair your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Russell O’Connell earned his dental degree at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and has completed extensive training in routine dental procedures and many specialty treatments. His office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about chips in your teeth or other dental damage, contact his office online or dial (908) 832-2300.