Is it Necessary to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

While most patients that chip their teeth come to us seeking a repair for cosmetic reasons, we know that there are many that do not. It is important to know that any time that you chip or otherwise damage a tooth it is important to have your tooth and gums evaluated by a dentist to rule out any underlying damage and to protect your tooth from additional harm.

In most cases you should plan to have your chipped tooth repaired. The treatment how deep the chip runs. A chipped tooth equals a significant loss of tooth structure and can even contribute to new chips in the future and cracks in the enamel over time.

If a tooth is chipped deeply enough, the chip could affect the function of the nerve inside your tooth. This can cause you extreme pain or even lead to discoloration of your tooth as the nerve inside dies. Depending on the location of your tooth you may opt for a root canal treatment to repair the nerve and a cap to restore its appearance. In rare cases a dental extraction and tooth replacement may be necessary to repair your tooth. For minor chips, dental bonding or a veneer may be available to cosmetically repair your tooth.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Hudson Valley, make an appointment.