Repairing Guides

how to repair a chipped tooth yourself

by Mason Dietrich Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Dental Filling or Bonding. If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.

Unless the damage is a minor chip, there's no permanent way to fix it without seeing a dentist. The best thing you can do in the meantime is to address the pain and protect your tooth and the inside of your mouth to avoid further injury.Sep 19, 2019

Full Answer

What are my options for repairing a chipped tooth?

What to Do First

  1. Bonding For the simplest and smallest chips in teeth, bonding is the most likely repair route your dentist will recommend. ...
  2. Veneers If the chip is a little bigger, veneers may be a better option for you. ...
  3. Crowns Crows and veneers are very similar as they're both usually made up of porcelain. ...
  4. Dental Implants

What are the side effects of fixing chipped tooth?

When you do have symptoms, however, they may include:

  • feeling a jagged surface when you run your tongue over your teeth
  • irritation of the gum around the chipped tooth.
  • irritation of your tongue from “catching” it on the tooth’s uneven and rough edge
  • pain from pressure on the tooth when biting, which can be intense if the chip is near to or exposes the nerves of the tooth

How much does it cost to repair a chipped tooth?

The cost of fixing a chipped tooth varies widely, typically ranging from as little as $100 to as much as $3,000. The exact price that you would have to pay will mainly depend on the extent of the damage and how close it is to the nerve (or pulp) of the tooth.

What to do if you have a chipped tooth?

Until you are able to see a dentist, you can try the following self-care measures:

  • Blunt the pain by taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the risk of infection.
  • If the damage has caused a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue and cheek.

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How do you fix a chipped tooth naturally?

How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Tooth Naturally?Place an ice pack on the cheek for pain and inflammation reduction.Remove plaque and any sticky food particles left behind by flossing around the cracked tooth to fix pain naturally.More items...

How can I temporarily fix a chipped tooth?

Temporary Fixes for a Chipped or Broken ToothIf your whole tooth falls out, with the root intact, place it in a small container with milk. ... If the remaining tooth has a sharp edge, you can try covering it with chewing gum, gauze, or wax.If you're experiencing a lot of pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Can you just file a chipped tooth?

Enamel reshaping can improve how your smile looks So, can a dentist file a slightly chipped tooth? The short answer is "yes." If the damage is minor, the dentist might be able to file the tooth and smooth out the chip. If the damage is severe, the tooth will probably require more than enamel reshaping.

What is the cheapest way to fix a chipped tooth?

Affordable Fixes for a Chipped ToothRecontouring. If you're lucky, your emergency dentist might be able to fix the tooth by using a tool to smooth over the tooth's enamel. ... Filling or bonding. ... Dental crown. ... Veneer. ... Root canal.

Can you bond your own teeth?

Most definitely not! Although there are over-the-counter DIY dental bonding kits available, trying to repair your own teeth is never a good idea. The only exception is if you damage a tooth and use a dental repair kit to temporarily repair the tooth until you can get in to see your dentist.

Can I use Dentemp on a chipped tooth?

You might also use a product called Dentemp, which is available at most drugstores, to temporarily seal and protect a chipped or broken tooth until you can see your dentist.

Can I use a nail file on my teeth?

Dentists say that no one should ever file their own teeth, since it can cause permanent damage. We all love the life hacks and fun advice shared on TikTok, but dentists are warning against an alarming new trend where users file their own teeth at home with nail files or other household objects.

Can I use an emery board on my tooth?

cracked tooth or filling The sharp edges usually smooth themselves over a number of days. If you feel the edges are too sharp then you can smooth the tooth with a small emery board.

Will a chipped tooth smooth out on its own?

If it's a small chip it's unlikely to cause any long term harm but it can catch your lip or tongue. If this was causing you discomfort, it can be smoothed down slightly, although you'll find it will smooth naturally over time. Normally, we'd only leave a chipped tooth if it's no deeper than the enamel layer.

How can I fix my teeth at home?

2:505:32Straighten Your Teeth At Home NATURALLY | Dentist UPDATED ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut they require continuous force that's how in this liner braces work they put a gentle continuousMoreBut they require continuous force that's how in this liner braces work they put a gentle continuous force on teeth. And that's what causes teeth to move so when you do an exercise for five minutes it.

What happens if half of your tooth breaks off?

If your tooth cracks in half, call your dental office immediately to set up an appointment. Make sure to let them know, your tooth is cracked in half. A broken tooth is not something you should put off. It could get worse and become infected.

How much does it cost to fix a tiny chipped tooth?

Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the different treatments that can fix chipped teeth: Bonding a tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth. A filling might cost anywhere from $90 to $500.

How can I file my teeth at home?

Temporary Home Remedy With the fingernail file you can take that file on that sharp edge of the tooth. Within a few strokes, that sharp edge is a rounded edge making the tooth feel so much better. Most people have a fingernail file at home. While I did use a metal nail file in my demonstration, any nail file will work.

What happens if you put superglue on your teeth?

Super Glue Can Cause an Exothermic Reaction Unfortunately, the dentin tubules found within your teeth really don't tolerate this well, and they can actually die. This may result in the need for a root canal or even an extraction of the tooth.

What is a dental crown?

Dental Cap or Crown: If you have lost a substantial portion of your tooth, your dentist may file away part of the remaining tooth and cap it with a crown, designed to protect the tooth, preserve function and improve aesthetic appearance.

How to fix a chipped tooth?

5 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home. Blunt the pain by taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the risk of infection.

Why is it important to know how to manage a chipped tooth?

When this occurs, it’s important to know how to manage the chipped tooth to preserve your tooth and avoid serious pain or infections.

What is bonding a tooth?

Called bonding, this relatively simple procedure usually requires no numbing agent. The dentist starts by etching the surface of the tooth with a special gel or liquid. Next, he or she will apply an adhesive substance, followed by the resin.

What to do if your tooth is jagged?

If the damage has caused a jagged or sharp edge, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue and cheek. If you must eat, select softer foods and do not bite down on the damaged tooth.

How much does a crown cost?

Crowns: From $250 to $2,000 based on the tooth and type of crown. Root canal: From $500 to $1,000 based on the severity of damage and location of tooth. Veneers: Can cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Dental insurance can help offset some or all of these expenses.

Can a dentist remove a dead tooth?

When this occurs, your dentist may have to remove the dead or dying pulp through root canal therapy. Afterward, the dentist will cap the tooth with a crown. Remember, do not wait to handle your chipped tooth. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.

How does a chipped tooth happen?

Chipped teeth are the most common dental injury reported. You bite into something that is too hard, you are in a minor accident and hit your head, or maybe there is an underlying issue with your tooth that leads to chipping a small piece off. No matter how it happens, a chipped tooth is a bummer.

What to do after chipping a tooth

When you chip a tooth, call your dentist and set up an appointment. If you can find the piece of tooth, save it in some anti-cavity mouthwash or even in a small glass of milk. Your dentist may be able to reattach the chip.

Kits to fix a chipped tooth at home

If you have to wait a while to see your dentist, you may want to use a kit to create a temporary cover for your chipped tooth.

Managing a chipped tooth at home

Chipping a tooth may cause some pain in the area. A dentist can treat the tooth, ensure it is free from infection, or confirm it is not at risk for other major issues. Comprehensive treatment means that any pain in the area will be addressed.

Get professional help to fix the chipped tooth

Your dentist is the only one who can permanently repair a chipped tooth. If the chip is small, they may just polish and smooth the area, so your tooth has an even shape again.

What not to do at home

You absolutely need to see a professional dentist to have your chipped tooth repaired.

Prevent future chipped teeth

If you chipped a tooth and want to prevent this issue in the future, there are several steps you can take.

What is a dental wax kit?

Some kits include dental wax to cover jagged edges, and others contain material that can be molded into the shape of a tooth to fill in gaps left on broken or missing teeth. These kits are only for temporary use and don’t address the deeper issues that could lead to infection, tooth loss, or other complications.

How long does it take to see a dentist after a tooth is knocked out?

If your tooth was knocked out, you should try to see a dentist within 30 minutes. You should also see a dentist as soon as possible if you have excessive pain or bleeding.

What is it called when a dentist polishes a broken tooth?

If the damage is slight, a dentist may polish the surface or smooth a broken or jagged edge. This is called cosmetic contouring. They may also use dental bonding to fill in gaps and fissures.

How to get a tooth out of your mouth?

If the tooth has popped out of your mouth, use a gauze pad to grasp it by the crown and place it back into the socket if possible . If the tooth looks dirty, you can rinse it off with water. Don’t scrub it or clean it with any other solution, and don’t clean off any bits of tissue.

What is the most common tooth to break?

The most common teeth to break are the molars of the lower jaw, probably due to their pointy cusps grinding powerfully into the grooves of the molars at the top of the mouth, according to a 2015 article#N#Trusted Source#N#published in the European Journal of Dentistry.

What to do if you break a tooth?

What to do after you break a tooth. If you break or chip a tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water right away to clean it, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling.

How to stop chipped tooth from swelling?

Chipped tooth pain relief. Flush the inside of your mouth with warm water, and apply cold compresses to the outside area every few minutes to keep down the swelling. You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, but make sure you don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

What is Dentemp for?

Dentemp is a product available at most pharmacies and drugstores, and it's designed for chipped teeth in situations where you can't visit the dentist right away. Dentemp will smooth the surface of the tooth and prevent injury.

How to fix a chipped tooth?

A do-it-yourself treatment can also act as quick fix if you can't see a dentist right away. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If you have the piece that broke off, rinse that as well and save it.

Can a chipped tooth spread?

A chipped tooth is more than a cosmetic flaw 1. Once you damage the hard enamel of the tooth, the damage can spread if it is not treated. Untreated, something as simple as a chipped tooth can become damaged further or even become infected, so it's best to take care of problems like chipped teeth immediately 1.

Can you file a chip in your teeth?

For larger chips, you'll need to visit your dentist. If you choose to file the tooth, do so in front of a mirror so you can see what you're doing. Don't file the tooth down too much.

Who is Michelle Labbe?

Writer Bio. Michelle Labbe has been writing online and for print since 2004. Her work has appeared in the online journals Reflection's Edge and Cabinet des Fées as well as in Harvard Book Store's anthology, "Michrochondria.". She is pursuing a Master of Arts in publishing and writing at Emerson College.

How to stop swelling from a jagged tooth?

There are, however, a few home remedies that can reduce the discomfort and swelling. Those include: Trying over-the-counter pain medication. Rinsing with a mouthwash to remove anything in the jagged ends of the tooth. Indirectly applying an ice pack if the pain persists.

Can you avoid chipping your teeth?

While you can't avoid chipping your tooth now, it could very well be painful and affect your smile. So be sure to schedule a time with your dentist to examine the chip as soon as possible. Your chipped tooth is the bad news.

Do tooth chips last forever?

It's the most time-consuming and costly option, but the results should last a lifetime. Like a snowflake or fingerprint, not all tooth chips are alike. So your dentist must give it a proper exam before you decide on the best option for you and your oral health.

Can you remove a tooth and have it heal before a dentist attaches it?

In this instance, you'd remove the tooth and allow it to heal before your dentist attaches the implant. Once healed, a permanent metal post would be inserted into your gumline and then eventually a tooth implant would be placed into the post that looks and feels like a real tooth.

What to Do for a Chipped Tooth

If you suffer a chipped, broken or fractured tooth, it’s important to visit your local dentist as soon as possible. If you wait, the tooth could become even more damaged. What’s worse, it could become infected, resulting in serious health risks and possible tooth loss.

5 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home

Until you are able to see a dentist, you can try the following self-care measures:

What to do if you have a broken tooth?

Your broken or lost tooth brings with it a risk of infection. Brush your teeth to the best of your ability and rinse out your mouth with mouthwash or salt water. If you are experiencing bleeding from the mouth / tooth try patching the bleeding area up with gauze.#N#Cover sharp edges

Can a broken tooth be traumatic?

A broken tooth can be traumatic. Especially if it’s a visible front tooth. However, panicking can only make things worse. It’s up to you to take fast and decisive action if you or a member of your family breaks a tooth.

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