What to do if a tooth is chipped?

Expert's answer: A damaged tooth is not a reason to panic. Most often, it can be saved and a beautiful smile preserved by promptly consulting a doctor. If a tooth is chipped, it is important to assess the extent of the chip and its location. If the damage is minor, it may not be visible at all, but rough or sharp edges can easily be felt with the tongue. In this case, the irregularities can simply be polished. If the chip is noticeable, it means that not only the enamel is damaged, but deeper layers as well. Such a tooth can be restored in various ways. For example, through composite restoration, using special dental materials. A properly selected shade and correctly performed procedure will help restore the tooth. However, this method has a downside: over time, composite materials may lose their tightness, and plaque may begin to form at the junction. Fortunately, there is a more durable option — ceramic restoration. A special overlay for the tooth is made in the laboratory, which completely matches your smile: the required shade is selected, and an anatomical shape is given. In this case, the restoration will be inconspicuous and aesthetic. Both methods are completely safe, and you can choose the one that suits you. If a tooth has broken, the cause is likely a trauma. A tooth fracture can vary in severity, which affects the treatment. If the root part is preserved, restoring the tooth is easier. If a small or medium piece is broken off, the dentist uses special inlays that are individually made and securely attached with a special material. Such inlays restore both the shape and function of the broken tooth. If the damage is serious, a crown may be required. It can be ceramic or metal-ceramic. It is better to choose noble metals, as they are biocompatible and have a beneficial effect on the body. In cases where the entire tooth stump is damaged, it can also be restored, but first, the pulp must be removed, and endodontic treatment of the tooth canals must be performed, followed by restoration — the installation of a crown. To secure the crown, a post is inserted into the root. It is optimal to use fiberglass posts, as they are modern, strong, reliable, and convenient to use. Such posts are considered hypoallergenic. Previously, zirconia posts were used, but they are not elastic and can damage the walls of the canal, as well as provoke the formation of cracks. Almost any broken tooth can be restored. However, if the damage runs along the longitudinal part and extends to the root, this is an indication for extraction, as saving such a tooth is pointless. If a tooth has started to loosen, it is necessary to determine how mobile it is. If it is very loose, this is a clear indication for extraction. If the mobility is slight, first or second degree, it can be splinted. One option is to use a retainer, a special wire that is attached to adjacent teeth and stabilizes the loose tooth. Retainers are often used after braces are removed. A more serious fixation will be provided by a bridge prosthesis, which connects several dental crowns and reinforces the structure. If the cause of the looseness is periodontitis, then tooth loss is a matter of time. But even in this case, its lifespan can be extended by installing connected crowns-prostheses. Such treatment is often successfully used for stabilizing teeth in older patients. If you have damaged a tooth, be sure to consult a doctor. Even if the injury seems minor, only an experienced dentist can assess its danger and prescribe appropriate treatment. To maintain a beautiful smile, do not forget to regularly undergo preventive examinations and take care of your teeth at home.