Cracked or Chipped Tooth Treatment

Treatment for Minor Chipped Teeth

Cosmetic Bonding: If you have a minor chipped tooth on the surface or tip of the tooth that does not expose the dentine within, our Boston dentists might recommend cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic dental bonding is the same composite resin dentists used for tooth-colored cavities. This means that your bonded tooth will look completely natural. After cleaning the chipped tooth, our dentist uses bonding material to secure the tooth in place, cure it, and then polish it to look natural and feel smooth.

Treatment for Major Chipped Teeth

Dental Crowns: Although modern composites are more durable than ever before, they aren’t right for repairing large chips or fractures that extend deep into the tooth. Depending on the size and location of the broken area, our Boston dentists might suggest placing a dental crown over the original tooth. Dental crowns are customized for your teeth, are incredibly durable, and are very realistic. They create a beautiful restoration that could last a lifetime.

Treatment for Minor Cracked Teeth

Dental Veneers: Our dentists can fill and seal small cracks with composite resin or a veneer for front teeth. Dental veneers are best for minor cracks on the front teeth, but larger cracks and molars (back teeth) need a complete cover with a dental crown.

Treatment for Major Cracked Teeth

Root Canal: Unfortunately, some cracks are deep enough that they irritate the inner pulp of the tooth. For this, our dentists recommend endodontic therapy or root canals. During a root canal, our dentists gently remove the inner pulp and nerve chamber inside of the tooth, clean the inner tooth thoroughly to remove the infection, and fill in and seals the inner tooth for strength and protection. If the tooth is a molar and the infection or crack is severe enough, the tooth may also require a crown.

Dental Implants: If major dental cracks reach the root of the tooth, the tooth may be beyond repair. Deep cracks can expose your nerves, jaw, and face to a variety of infections. If this is the case, your dentist may suggest extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. Thankfully, modern dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. The implant is a titanium post that acts like the root of the tooth. After the area heals around the implant, the dentist connects the crown to the implant for a perfect smile.