What Is the Best Treatment for a Chipped Tooth?

The right treatment depends on how big the chip is, where it’s located, and whether it affects the inner layers of your tooth. That’s why it’s so important to get it checked out by a professional. A surface chip may only need a bit of smoothing, but a deeper break could require bonding, a crown, or even a root canal.

Getting the wrong treatment can lead to bigger problems later, so it’s always best to go to an experienced dental practice like LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California. Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng take the time to assess your tooth properly and recommend the option that’ll last.

In this blog, we’ll review the primary causes of chipped teeth, how we evaluate the damage, and what treatments are available.

How do teeth chip in the first place?

Teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. Enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body, but it can crack or break under pressure or if it's already weakened.

Here are some common ways chips happen:

• Biting down on hard foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candies
• Falling and hitting your mouth
• Taking a blow to the face during sports or accidents
• Using your teeth to open packages or bottles
• Grinding your teeth (bruxism), especially at night
• Tooth decay that weakens the enamel

Even if the chip feels minor, it’s worth having it evaluated. A small crack today can deepen over time and affect the tooth's structure.

Can you treat a chipped tooth at home?

You can’t fix a chipped tooth at home, but you can take some steps to protect it until you see a dentist. 

Rinse your mouth with warm water, avoid chewing on the side with the chip, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum. If you’re in pain, taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help. But don’t wait too long; delaying professional care can lead to complications.

Treatment options for a chipped tooth

Depending on what we find when we examine the chipped tooth, here are the most common ways it’s treated:Smoothing or polishing

If the chip is tiny and only affects the enamel, we might be able to smooth it out with a file or polish the edges. This prevents it from catching on your tongue or lip and leaves the tooth looking natural.

Dental bonding

For slightly larger chips that don’t reach the nerve, bonding is often used. We apply a tooth-colored resin, shape it to match your tooth, and harden it with a special light. It’s quick, painless, and looks seamless.

Veneers

If the chip is on a front tooth and affects your smile, a veneer may be recommended. This thin layer of porcelain or composite is custom-made to cover the front of your tooth and restore its appearance.

Dental crown

If the chip is significant and the tooth has lost structure, a crown might be necessary. Crowns cover the entire tooth to protect it and restore function. These are often used for molars or teeth that take on a lot of pressure.

Root canal

If the chip exposes the pulp and causes nerve damage or infection, a root canal may be your best option. After removing the damaged tissue, the tooth is sealed and usually topped with a crown.

We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each option and recommend what works best for your tooth and your long-term oral health. 

If you’ve chipped a tooth, don’t wait. The sooner you get it evaluated, the easier it is to fix, and the better the results will be. With the right treatment, you can prevent future issues, avoid unnecessary pain, and keep your smile looking great.

At LivWell Dentistry, we’re ready to help. We’ll evaluate your chipped tooth, recommend the best fix, and make sure you leave feeling confident and cared for. Schedule your appointment online or call us at 415-477-3700 today.