Chipped Tooth Dentist in Kitsilano, Vancouver

A chipped tooth is a common dental concern. It is usually caused by aging, biting on something hard, teeth-grinding habits, or trauma. In many cases, a chip on the tooth does not cause pain. However, it can look quite unsightly when you smile and may feel rough or sharp on the tongue.

The treatment for a chipped tooth depends on how large the damage is. But whether you have a small or large chip on your tooth, it is always best to get it checked with your dentist so they can help restore your smile as soon as possible.

Understanding Chipped Teeth

The tooth is largely made up of the strongest substance in the body which is the enamel. This is the outermost layer of the tooth that protects it from daily wear and tear, injury, and decay. Despite being durable and resilient, the enamel does have its limits.

If it is subjected to excessive wear or a forceful blow, it can chip or crack. If this happens, the tooth surface can become jagged, rough, and disfiguring. 

Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth

Small chips on the tooth do not have major symptoms, but you can tell it is there when you look in the mirror. Otherwise, you may not know you have it at all. If you do have symptoms, it may include:

• Feeling of a jagged or rough tooth edge
• Gum irritation
• Tongue irritation after running it against the rough tooth surface
• Pain when biting

Chipped Tooth Repair

If you have a very small chip on the tooth, you can get away with not getting treated. Your dentist may simply consider reshaping the tooth to remove sharp edges. But, if there is sizable damage to the tooth, some treatment options include:

Dental Bonding

The most common solution to a small chip on the tooth is dental bonding or filling. This treatment involves a tooth-coloured composite resin moulded on the tooth to repair the chip. Then, it is hardened with a curing light to make the restoration last a long time. This is a simple, relatively pain-free, and quick procedure for a chipped tooth.

Dental Veneers

Veneers use composite resin or porcelain material to repair minor dental imperfections such as a chipped tooth. This requires a minimal amount of tooth to be shaved off. Then, the veneer is glued to the tooth surface to improve the size, shape, length, and colour of the tooth.

Dental Crowns

A large chip on the tooth requires a bit more work to repair the appearance and function of the tooth. The treatment of choice is a crown. This is a dental cap that covers the entire tooth to protect what is left of it.

Some types of crowns are plastic, porcelain, metal-porcelain, or zirconia. Ideally, a chip on the front tooth is best restored with all-porcelain for superior aesthetics. Meanwhile, metal-porcelain or zirconia is best for the back tooth for excellent support when chewing.

Root Canal Therapy

Lastly, a severely chipped tooth with damage that has reached the tooth pulp needs root canal therapy to remove bacteria. Then, the tooth will be sealed from the inside to prevent reinfection. After this, the tooth will capped with a dental crown to complete your treatment.

If you have a chipped tooth, our team at Arbutus Station Dental can help you get your smile back! Call us today to schedule your appointment and learn about your treatment options.