Teeth do not repair themselves once cracked or chipped. Treatment is likely necessary. Repairing a cracked or chipped tooth can be minimal or require extensive treatment depending on the type of crack and how much of the tooth is affected.
The goal of treatment is to stop the crack or chip from worsening and relieve pain. There are several different types of treatment to achieve this goal.3
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Cracked tooth syndrome encompasses the various types of cracked teeth ranging from craze lines to vertical root fractures.
Temporary
A temporary crown (a cap that goes over the tooth) may be placed on a tooth experiencing cracked tooth syndrome. Though these are not effective in the long run, they can help prevent further damage by changing how the teeth come together when biting down.
This temporary solution avoids putting unnecessary pressure on an already cracked tooth.
Filling
A filling, like the ones used for cavities, may be placed over a fractured tooth to protect it. Fillings are most often used in the case of a fractured cusp on the biting surface of a molar.
The Different Types of Dental Fillings
Veneers
Veneers are a layer of material that is placed over the tooth to improve its appearance and protect the surface of the tooth from further damage. Veneers are a common choice for treating a chipped tooth as they can restore appearance.
They can also be used for smaller cracks. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite and are formulated to match teeth.
Root Canal
A root canal may become necessary if the crack extends into the root of the tooth. This can cause infection and damage to the root, which needs to be treated. During a root canal, the pulp and damaged part of the tooth is removed.
After a root canal, the dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect the remaining parts of the tooth in order to help avoid extraction.
Crown
Crowns can restore a tooth that has been cracked or chipped. A crown is a cap that goes over the tooth and is made of a strong material that looks like the tooth. Crowns provide strength and prevent further damage by restoring the tooth to its original shape and function.
If a filling is too big to be supported by the remaining tooth, a crown can be placed over it to protect the tooth.