A chipped tooth can be both an aesthetic and functional problem that requires special attention. Whether you have a slightly chipped tooth or a small piece of tooth broken off, it is important to understand the causes of this situation and the different treatment options available to you. In this article, we will cover common causes of dental chipping, preventive measures, possible solutions, and associated costs.

Causes of a Chipped Tooth

Several factors can contribute to dental chipping:

Trauma

Accidents or injuries that involve direct impact on the mouth can cause dental chipping. Car accidents, falls, or contact sports can result in cracks or breaks in the teeth.

Poor Eating Habits

Regular consumptions of hard foods such as nuts, ice cubes, hard candy, or foods that require excessive chewing can weaken tooth enamel and lead to chipping.

Bruxism

Bruxism, which is characterized by grinding or clenching of teeth, can exert excessive pressure on tooth enamel, causing long-term chipping.

Untreated Dental Caries

Untreated cavities can weaken the tooth structure and make it more susceptible to chipping. Bacteria present in the decayed cavities produce acids that gradually break down tooth enamel.

What to Do with a Chipped Tooth

When you find yourself with a chipped tooth, it is essential to take quick action to avoid potential complications. Here are some steps to follow:

Consult Your Dentist

The first thing to do is to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will evaluate the severity of the chipping and recommend the appropriate treatment based on the size of the fracture and the location of the damaged tooth.

Keep the Area Clean

Until your dental appointment, make sure to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the chipped area, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infections.

Avoid Hard Foods

Limit your consumption of hard or sticky foods that could worsen the situation. Instead, choose soft and easy-to-chew foods to avoid further damaging the chipped tooth.

Use Orthodontic Wax

If the chipped tooth has sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks, you can use orthodontic wax to temporarily cover them and prevent further injuries.

Solutions for a Chipped Tooth

Treatment options for a chipped tooth depend on the severity of the fracture and the extent of the damage. Here are some common solutions:

Dental Restoration with Filling

If the chipped tooth is minor and does not involve significant loss of tooth structure, your dentist may recommend a filling to restore the tooth. A tooth-colored composite resin will be used to fill the chip and restore the appearance and function of the damaged tooth.

Dental Crown

If the chipped tooth is more severe and a significant part of the tooth structure is lost, a dental crown may be recommended. A crown is a custom-made dental prosthesis that completely covers the chipped tooth, giving it both a natural appearance and protection against further damage.

Dental Veneer

Dental veneers are a popular option for chipped teeth that mainly affect aesthetics. A thin porcelain or resin shell is attached to the front of the tooth to cover the chip and improve the appearance of the smile.

Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant

In extreme cases where the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, extraction of the chipped tooth may be necessary. Once the tooth is extracted, a dental implant may be considered as a permanent and functional replacement for the missing tooth.

Smoothing a Chipped Tooth: Is It an Option?

Sometimes, when a tooth is slightly chipped, your dentist may suggest smoothing the surface of the tooth to remove the damaged parts and restore a more aesthetic shape. However, it should be noted that this procedure is generally limited to cases where the chip is minor and does not compromise the overall health of the tooth.

Price of Treating a Chipped Tooth

Prices for treating a chipped tooth in France or Belgium can vary depending on the severity of the chip, the location of the tooth, the recommended type of treatment, and the specific dental clinic. In general, average costs include 50 to 150 euros for filling, 800 to 1200 euros for a dental crown, 500 to 1500 euros per dental veneer, and 1500 to 3000 euros for a dental implant.

However, it is important to note that dental fees in France and Belgium can be relatively high. That is why some people opt for dental tourism in countries that offer more affordable dental care, such as Turkey. By choosing to have a chipped tooth repair in Turkey, it is possible to achieve significant savings compared to prices charged in France or Belgium.

Contact Us

We are available to answer any questions you may have about dental chipping or dental tourism in Turkey. Do not hesitate to contact us, our dental specialists will be happy to provide you with the necessary information and to address all your concerns. Whether you want to discuss your specific case, get additional details, or schedule an online consultation, our team is here to help.