Will a Chipped Tooth Get Better on Its Own?

The human body is an amazing creation. If you accidentally get a papercut or bump into the coffee table, your body will miraculously repair itself within weeks or even days depending on the severity of the injury. Your body can fight off infections and restore its health. However, does this apply to your teeth? If you’ve accidentally chipped one of your teeth, will it resolve itself in a matter of time? Continue reading to find out.

Will a Chipped Tooth Repair Itself?

Enamel may be the hardest substance in your entire body, but it does not have the ability to heal on its own. That means that chipped teeth, no matter how minor or severe, will not repair themselves. At their best, teeth can remineralize, but they will not “grow back.” Only restorative or cosmetic dental treatments are able to restore teeth that have been broken or chipped.

Do You Need to Visit the Dentist for Minor Chips?

Teeth that have been chipped will only become damaged further if you don’t receive dental treatment. Depending on the severity of the break, there are a variety of solutions that can help to restore the appearance and integrity of your smile. It’s especially important to head to the dental office if the tooth is sharp or jagged, as you could accidentally end up cutting your gums or oral tissue.

What Treatments Are Used for Chipped Teeth?

Your dentist is likely to recommend one of these two options for your chipped tooth:

Direct Bonding

Our cosmetic dentist will be able to use a tooth-colored composite resin that they can sculpt and shape to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in with the rest of your tooth. This is an affordable option that can easily fix small flaws in your smile. In addition to chips, it can cover discoloration and stains. Depending on the location and how well you care for it, bonding can last up to approximately ten years before you will need touchups again.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell made from wafer-thin, custom-made tooth-colored porcelain. It is designed to cover the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. This can be placed in just two easy visits to your dentist. The first appointment involves preparing your tooth by removing a small amount of protective enamel from the front-facing surface of the tooth. Bite impressions are then taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneer will be created. In just a few weeks, you will have another appointment where the cosmetic dentist will place your veneer on your tooth. This option is ideal for fixing chips, misshapen teeth, stains, small gaps, and undersized teeth. It should last approximately 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Your chipped tooth may not heal on its own, but that doesn’t mean that you need to show it off as it is. By seeing your dentist at your earliest convenience, you can discuss which restorative or cosmetic solution is best for you!

About the Practice

Harris Parkway Dental Care offers excellent and passionate dental services for Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding communities. With their expert team of dental hygienists, they provide a wide collection of treatments, from dental checkups to emergency care. If you want to know more about your dental hygienist, visit our website or call us at 817-423-2223.