Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration Dentist Answers, Tips
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Options for Chipped Front Tooth Restoration

The bottom half of my front tooth was chipped. I want to know what my options are, and how long on average will this restoration last? Since I am only 20, how many times will I need to replace it during my life? If I place a porcelain veneer on the tooth, and it eventually needs a root canal, will the veneer need to be replaced with a crown?

12 Doctor Answers | Asked by los angeles3933 in new york, ny
+2

How to Repair a Chipped Front Tooth

This is a GREAT question. There are many factors that should be considered when choosing how to repair your fractured tooth. You said "half" of your front tooth is fractured. That's a lot of tooth structure to repair with a conservative restoration like bonding. Bonding is the least expensive option but also does not last as long and wth half the tooth needing replacement will probably not last more than a few years. Another option is a porcelain veneer which is more expensive... more
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Options for Chipped Front Tooth

If the chip is small you can fix it with composite/bonding. A highly talented dentist can make this look very natural. The drawback is that this restoration may chip or stain over time. It will last on average 7-10 years. A porcelain veneer is a good option if the chip is larger. This will last 10-15 years on average. If the tooth needs a root canal, the veneer does not need to be removed. The root canal can be performed through the backside of the tooth. A crown would only... more
+1

Dental bonding for chipped front tooth

As you are 20 years of age i feel that dental bonding with composite is a good option as its the least invasive procedure with minimal to almost zero tooth loss. In future if you require a root canal then you can always go ahead with a laminate or crown when and if needed.

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+1

Porcelain Veneer For Chipped Front Tooth

Based on the amount of tooth that is missing I would recommend that you have a porcelain veneer placed. This will be the most durable and the most aesthetic. Composite bonding may be a viable option, but will not last as long as a veneer. If the tooth should ever need a root canal they should be able to complete it without ever touching your porcelain veneer. Hope this helps.
+1

Chipped teeth fixed with composite or porcelain veneer

A composite restoration will work in a pinch but must be considered a temporary solution. A porcelain veneer will last much longer an can be nearly as conservative as a composite, as many "no prep" solutions are out there. If a root canal is needed, it may be possible to not destroy the veneer. At age 20, you should be prepared to replace the restoration a few times in your life.
+1

You have options

Since you are 20 yrs of age, I would consider both composite bonding and a porcelain veneer.  Of course, any qualified cosmetic dentist would need to see your tooth, take appropriate xrays, and consult with you on you level of esthetic needs. In most cases im my office, like yours, I would use composite bonding 1st, even if its just temporary.  Bottom line is you will have some options on treatment and I would recommend you finding a trusted cosmetic dentist.  The... more
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Veneer is best for 50% tooth loss..

A porcelain veneer is best for this type of fracture. Its strong and will look great if done properly. If you were to do bonding on the tooth it will look great for a few years but will discolor and chip. Usually they are replaced whenever they loose their cosmetic appeal...sometimes that can be 10 years sometimes 3. All depends..A veneer never changes color because its made of glass the best thing is to whiten or bleach your teeth first,,wait 4 days then get the veneer placed. If your teeth... more
+1

Broken Tooth

Chipped or Fractured teeth can be uncomfortable especially in the front. You mentioned half of the tooth was fractured, the first step is to determined how much tooth structure was lost & if  the nerve is exposed. We want to make sure that Root Canal is not necessary before going forward with any treatment to correct the fractured tooth. If some tooth structure was lost than the conservative approach would be bonding just keep in mind that over time the bonding... more
+1

No prep porcelain veneer great option for chipped front tooth

No prep (Lumineers, DURAthins, Emprethins) or minimal preparation porcelain veneers are a fantastic option for patients with chipped or broken front teeth.  You've already lost a part of your tooth, right?  No need to prep the rest down as well anymore! Find a dentist with training in this kind of restoration and often the preparation is as minimal as smoothing any rough or sharp spots with the bulk of your tooth remaining intact. Much more conservative! more
+1

Options for a Chipped Front Tooth

There is nothing more upseting than a problem with the front tooth and it is an important decision to make as to which would be the best treatment for you.  If it is not a large amount of tooth missing, then I would lean more towards the bonding with a tooth colored bonding material that matches the rest of your tooth and would look natural.  The disadvantage of this choice is that the bonding will pick up staining more than the tooth and depending on the amount of staining, you... more
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Comments (2)

Alejandra Stone 22 Nov 2012
I just undergo from a tooth impalantation procedure performed by my dentist in Charleston and unfortunately, a few weeks after I went through the operation I bite something and that causes me to chip my partly my newly implanted teeth with two others. I am really scared because it's bleeding so hard so my question is can I undergo to tooth restoration even though my other operation is just weeks ago? Will it not harm my gums or any part? Thank you for your answers.
Megan P (Community Manager) 22 Nov 2012

Hey Alejandra,

I wanted to let you know that it is unlikely that the dentists will see your question in this section, as it is an area for the community members to discuss the question above. However you are welcome to post your question in the Q&A section so the dentists can share some opinions with you. If possible, attach a photo or two of your teeth so the dentists can see what you are describing.

Hope that helps some!

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