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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can A Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?

I just had my routine dental cleaning. I had a very tiny chip at the bottom top front right tooth. Upon examination, my dentist also informed me that from the chip there was a crack/split up the tooth. You can see what looks like a hairline crack that almost reaches the gum area. I can also feel the crack when I run my fingernail across the front of my tooth. The dentist slightly filed the chip, since is was very tiny to smooth it, but informed me that there was nothing he could do for the crack (except maybe cover it with a veneer). I of course am not really interested in a veneer over only one tooth. He told me to just "wait until something happened"! I am in distress worrying that my front tooth is going to split, chip further and I'll lose it! Isn't there any option to at least try to protect it from further damage???! Could it be covered with bonding or any sort of clear coat/cover that could provide it some strength/protection?
Wed, 17 May 2017
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Vertical split in teeth cannot be generally repaired and the tooth portion has to be unfortunately removed..
So first of all you should get checked that the crack is only in the upper layer that is enamel or it is extending deep till the nerves.
Many a times there are cracks in the enamel layer and they can be covered up with filling or capping so that the tooth is saved..
But in case if the cracks are deep inside then vertical splits should not be tried to filled up rather the crown portion should be removed and tooth can be treated with Post and core treatment..
So first of all get an x ray and tooth sensitivity test done then only further treatment can be planned.

Hope this helps..

Regards.
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How Can A Chipped Tooth Be Fixed?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Vertical split in teeth cannot be generally repaired and the tooth portion has to be unfortunately removed.. So first of all you should get checked that the crack is only in the upper layer that is enamel or it is extending deep till the nerves. Many a times there are cracks in the enamel layer and they can be covered up with filling or capping so that the tooth is saved.. But in case if the cracks are deep inside then vertical splits should not be tried to filled up rather the crown portion should be removed and tooth can be treated with Post and core treatment.. So first of all get an x ray and tooth sensitivity test done then only further treatment can be planned. Hope this helps.. Regards.