Will Chipped Teeth Heal On Their Own?

Although tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body, it can still be susceptible to damage. With one wrong bite or an accidental hit in the face, you can end up with a chipped tooth. Even if this isn’t always an emergency and you don’t experience much discomfort, this condition can make your pearly whites vulnerable to infection. But will your mildly damaged tooth heal on its own? Keep reading to learn why you’ll need dental treatment after this occurs and your available options to restore your smile!

Will Chipped Teeth Repair Themselves?

While your pearly whites are durable, they can’t heal on their own. This means as soon as they’re damaged, whether minor or severe, they’ll need to get treated to recover. Your teeth may remineralize and can be strengthened, but they’re impossible to regrow. The only way to address the situation is through restorative or cosmetic dental care, which can repair and even improve mildly damaged pearly whites.

Should You Visit Your Dentist for Mild Chips?

Even minor chips in your teeth can lead to further damage later on if they’re left untreated. For this reason, it’s best to seek care from your dentist so they can restore the look and feel of your smile, regardless of the severity of the injury. You’ll especially want to get treatment if you notice sharp or jagged edges in your teeth, which can cause harm to your gums and other oral tissues.

What Types of Treatments Can Fix Chipped Teeth?

You may expect your dentist to suggest one of these two dental treatment options to fix your chipped tooth:

• Veneers: These wafer-thin porcelain shells are specifically designed to conceal most mild dental imperfections—such as chipped, cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth. Your dentist will remove a small portion off the front of your enamel so that the veneers can fit seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Not only does this option brighten and repair your pearly whites, but it can also provide the durability of your natural teeth. You’ll be able to look and feel like you have your normal smile again, and you can expect the results to last 15 years or more with proper care.
• Ceramic crowns: If you simply want to restore your chipped tooth, then you can be sure to enjoy a strong and reliable dental crown. These tooth-colored ceramic options can improve and fortify your smile, and the results will be indistinguishable from the rest of your pearly whites.

A chipped tooth won’t heal on its own, but that shouldn’t stop you from repairing it with restorative or cosmetic dental treatments. Feel free to speak with your dentist about your situation, and they’ll be glad to discuss your options!

About the Author

Dr. Henry Hsue earned his dental doctorate from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and has delivered outstanding care for well over a decade. He also pursues continuing education courses to refine his skills and he’s a member of several groups like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. He provides a vast selection of high-quality services, including emergency dentistry, veneers, and all-ceramic restorations. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 425-492-6898.