Summary

A chipped tooth can result from many causes, such as biting into hard food, sports injuries, and even years of teeth grinding. While some chips are minor and can be fixed with veneers, others can be large enough to leave a crack that exposes sensitive inner tooth structure. It leads to pain, infection, and further breakage.

If you have a chipped tooth crown and you are searching for “how to fix a chipped tooth crown,” this blog will help you.

The key highlights of the blog are:

• Chipped teeth are often caused by trauma, grinding, and hard foods.
• Even small chips can worsen without treatment.
• Early treatment can help preserve natural tooth structure.
• Understanding when you need a crown can prevent future complications.
• Porcelain crowns can occasionally chip and may require dental crown repair.
• A lost crown tooth should be evaluated promptly by a dentist.
• Preventive habits significantly reduce the risk of tooth and crown damage.

Most people believe that the worst that can happen to their teeth is cavities. What they don’t know is that chips are equally common. Your teeth endure enormous pressure every day. It weakens the enamel and makes your teeth more vulnerable to damage. 

A chipped tooth seems like a minor concern, but if it’s significant and exposes the inner tooth structure, bacteria can enter it, and the crack can only spread.

If the crack is deep and has internal damage and cavities, a dental crown is the best solution. This blog has discussed the common causes of chipped teeth, how to avoid them, and how to fix them.

Read on!

What Causes a Chipped Tooth?

There are multiple causes behind a chipped tooth, such as:

Biting Hard Foods: One of the most common causes of chipped teeth is biting down on something unexpectedly hard, such as:

• Ice cubes
• Popcorn kernels
• Hard candies
• Nuts with shells
• Hard bread crusts

A sudden force concentrated on one area can cause enamel to fracture instantly.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Some people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. It is called bruxism and is one of the most common causes of a cracked tooth.  Repeated grinding places excessive pressure on the enamel and gradually weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to chipping and cracking. According to the NHS, untreated teeth grinding can also lead to jaw pain, worn-down teeth, and damaged fillings.

Sports Injuries and Accidents: Contact sports, falls, and vehicle accidents are common causes of chipped teeth. A direct impact on the mouth or teeth can knock it out or sometimes fracture it, causing structural damage. That’s why dentists recommend wearing mouthguards during sports. 

Existing Tooth Decay: If you have a decayed tooth, it is prone to fracturing. When cavities remove healthy tooth structure, the remaining enamel becomes less able to withstand normal chewing forces.

Using Teeth as Tools: Many people use their teeth as tools to:

• Open packages
• Tear tape
• Crack nuts
• Remove bottle caps

Your teeth are not made to open cans or to chew on ice, which increases the risk of chipping a tooth.

Signs That a Chipped Tooth Needs Professional Attention

Not every chipped tooth needs an immediate dental visit, but certain symptoms necessitate it, such as:

• Sharp edges
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain while chewing
• Visible cracks
• Swelling near the affected tooth
• Changes in tooth color

If your tooth is merely chipped but has sharp edges, it can injure your tongue and gums, requiring immediate attention. 

“Patients often assume a small chip is purely cosmetic, but even a tiny fracture can expose the inner tooth to bacteria. Getting it checked early usually means a simple bonding—rather than a crown or root canal later.”

— Dr. Jeremy Silverman, DMD

When Do You Need a Crown?

A dental crown is recommended when:

• A large portion of the tooth is missing
• The tooth has become structurally weak
• A crack extends deep into the tooth
• A root canal has been performed
• Repeated fillings no longer provide adequate support

Crowns are prosthetics that mimic your natural tooth and sit atop it to restore its strength and appearance.

How Do Dentists Treat a Chipped Tooth?

There are multiple treatment options, but the choice depends on the location and extent of the damage. Here are some potential treatment options:

Dental Bonding

The process involves repairing the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin. The material is shaped, polished, and blended into the natural tooth for a seamless appearance.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are used to restore the aesthetics of the teeth, especially the front teeth. 

Dental Crowns

When the fracture is larger, a prosthetic is used to provide long-term protection and durability. When the tooth has lost significant structure, a dental crown is the best way to save it. 

What Happens When a Dental Crown Chips?

While dental crowns are durable, some can chip. For example, a porcelain crown can chip for the obvious reasons discussed above. 

Porcelain crowns are particularly popular because of their natural appearance, but they can chip under excessive pressure.

Fortunately, crown damage does not always mean the entire restoration must be replaced.

How to Prevent Chipped Teeth and Crown Damage?

Here are some strategies to prevent teeth chipping and crown damage:

• If you are an athlete, wear a mouthguard.
• Be cautious of what you eat. Hard and sticky foods can cause chips and fractures.  
• Don’t use teeth as tools to open packets or cans. They will cause unnecessary injuries. 

If you have any dental issues, address them promptly to avoid complex treatments in the future. 

Looking for Dental Crown Repair in Chandler? 

A chipped tooth might seem like a minor problem, but it might be more than just that. You can never know the extent of damage it can cause, and thus, you should consult a dentist at the earliest for a dental crown repair. 

In Chandler, you can trust Peace of Mind Dental Studio for the best dental treatment. Whether you have a chipped or cracked tooth, a sports dental injury, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental infection, we are here for you. We assess your needs, conduct a thorough examination, and then prescribe the best possible treatment. All of our dental solutions are tailor-made to best align with your needs. 

Give us a call for an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: What is the most common cause of a chipped tooth?

Ans: Biting hard foods, teeth grinding, and accidental trauma are among the most common causes of chipped teeth.

Que: Can a chipped tooth heal on its own?

Ans: No, a chipped tooth cannot heal on its own, and you need professional treatment for it.

Que: When do you need a crown for a chipped tooth?

Ans: A crown is recommended when a large portion of the tooth is damaged or when the remaining tooth structure is weak.

Que: How do dentists perform dental crown repair?

Ans: Minor crown chips are repaired with bonding materials, while larger fractures require crown replacement.

Que: What should I do if I have a lost crown tooth?

Ans: Do not chew on the affected side. If you can find the crown, save it. In any case, schedule a dental appointment with Peace of Mind  Dental Studio.