If the chip is small, you are not feeling any pain, and no nerve is exposed, it is possible for a tooth-colored bonded composite filling to be placed to repair the chipped area. However, depending on where the chip is located, how your bite looks, and what shows up on the x-ray of that tooth, the best long-term solution could possibly be a crown. The potential problem with placing a filling in a chipped tooth that would be better served by a crown is that over time, the stresses of your bite and other forces on the tooth may cause the tooth the crack or chip even worse. A crown holds the tooth together a little better, and is more effective at preventing future cracks or chips versus a bonded composite filling. I would definitely consult a dentist and have him or her look at it, and they can give you a better idea of what your options are. A bonded composite filling may do the job, but you may be taking a risk of that tooth chipping or cracking even more down the road.Also, tThere is a reason your tooth chipped in the first place, and it could be due to a misaligned bite, grinding habits you may have, an existing large filling that weakened the remaining tooth structure, or some other reason. I would try to pin down the cause of your tooth chipping and ask your dentist for ways to address the root cause of the chip, to prevent this from happening to the same tooth or other teeth.
