Will a Chipped Tooth Heal By Itself?

While not always an emergency, you’ll still want to seek dental treatment if you’ve experienced a chipped tooth. Leaving it untreated can allow it to become more vulnerable to further damage as well as decay and infection. However, you might be wondering if you can let this condition heal on its own, which can make you hesitate to visit your dentist. Read on to learn what happens with a chipped tooth and several methods to treat it and restore your smile!

Can a Chipped Tooth Grow Back On Its Own?

A damaged tooth will not be able to regenerate over time. Though your smile can remineralize to strengthen the bone tissue, a missing portion of your pearly whites won’t heal. Even if your chipped tooth isn’t bothering you or causing discomfort, you should still consider visiting your dentist for dental care. They’ll monitor your oral health, ensure your gums and the rest of your smile haven’t been damaged, and provide treatment to prevent further injury. For this reason, it’s a good idea to seek care as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications.

How Can I Address a Chipped Tooth?

The first thing you’ll want is to assess the amount of damage your tooth has experienced. Should your condition be followed by excessive bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or a fractured jaw, then you’ll likely need to head straight for your local emergency room. Your medical professional will be able to address your symptoms and alleviate discomfort until you can see your dentist. But if your tooth is mildly chipped, then you can simply schedule a dental appointment. During your visit, your dentist will walk you through your best options for repairing your tooth.

3 Treatments To Effectively Rebuild a Chipped Tooth

Here are several dental procedures that can help restore your smile:

• Veneers: By applying thin porcelain shells to your affected teeth, your dentist can conceal multiple dental imperfections simultaneously. You’ll be able to repair and enhance your smile in just a few visits, and the results can last 15 years or more with proper care.
• Dental bonding: This is a more convenient and quicker method to cover up dental flaws compared to veneers. Your dentist can use composite resin to sculpt your tooth into a more ideal look, repairing minor damages in the process. While this treatment can be done in a single appointment, you’ll likely need touchups after several years.
• Dental crowns: This restoration is designed to strengthen and protect teeth that have been decayed or damaged. With durable porcelain material, your dental crown can blend easily with the rest of your smile.

Be sure to seek treatment within a few days of getting a chipped tooth, even if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort. Your dentist will want to ensure your smile remains in good health, that way you can enjoy the look and function of your pearly whites for many years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Cooper Owens earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. He’s been delivering outstanding care for over 15 years and regularly seeks advanced training to refine his skills. He offers a vast array of high-quality and all-inclusive treatments, including dental crowns, veneers, and dental bonding. If you’d like to get treatment for a chipped tooth, visit his website or call 440-466-4884.