How Can We Fix My Son’s Chipped Tooth?

Posted by AllSmiles

My 17-year-old son had an accident that chipped part of his lower right tooth. His pediatric dentist says there is no root damage. I know the tooth will not grow back in, but is there something cosmetic that will help it look better? If so, how long will it last? Thanks. Kami from Toledo, OH

Kami,

You are right. After a tooth erupts, only the root continues to grow. No visible portion of a tooth will grow back. It is good that you took your son to his pediatric dentist to check for internal damage.

Repairing a Child’s Chipped Tooth

If your child’s tooth is chipped and you have the chipped piece, a cosmetic dentist can bond it back on. When the entire tooth, or a large portion of it, breaks, a dentist must perform root canal treatment and protect the tooth with a crown.

Repairing a small chip

A skilled cosmetic surgeon can blend composite to match the shade of your son’s tooth. The composite will match your son’s natural tooth color, texture, and translucence, so you cannot tell the tooth was chipped.

How Long Will the Repair Last?

If a cosmetic dentist repairs a chipped tooth with dental bonding, it will last about five years—sometimes longer. A dentist can polish bonding to remove stains. Also, as dental bonding ages, a cosmetic dentist can remove and replace it.

Will Insurance Cover a Chipped Tooth?

If you have dental insurance, it will likely help pay for the treatment you need due to an injury. However, most dental plans only offer up to 50% coverage for procedures like root canal treatment and crowns. Check with your medical insurance company and ask about coverage for tooth injury. Also, ask about plan limitations if you do not seek help within the first 48 hours.

Look for a dentist who welcomes children as patients and has advanced cosmetic dentistry training.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients who consider themselves dental cowards.