RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
A thoughtful approach to repairing your smile.
The right way to restore a damaged tooth depends on where it is, how much of it is affected, and the condition of the tooth beneath. A careful look comes first, so the repair fits you.
Book a Consultation Explore Treatment Options
Personalised assessment. Clearly explained options.
Repair planned around your tooth.
THE IDEA IN ONE PICTURE
For a suitable chip, the aim is to rebuild the lost shape so the tooth looks and feels whole again, while keeping as much healthy tooth as possible. Whether that is possible, and how, is decided only after examination.
Illustrative restoration concept.
Teeth can be damaged in many ways. How a tooth looks does not reliably show how deep the fracture goes, so an examination is needed before anything is decided.
Often a minor change in the tooth's outline, sometimes noticed by the tongue first.
A rough or sharp edge, or a corner that has gone, which may affect appearance and comfort.
A crack or break that covers more of the tooth and may extend below the visible surface.
Discomfort can mean the inner part of the tooth is affected and should be looked at promptly.
When to seek urgent care. If the injury causes severe pain, swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or involves a knocked-out permanent tooth, seek urgent dental care.
Two chips that look alike can need very different care. Your dentist weighs several things before recommending a way forward:
Not every damaged tooth can be saved. If a tooth cannot be restored, your dentist will explain this and discuss alternatives.
These options are not interchangeable. One is chosen only after assessment, and in some cases a severe fracture may mean the tooth cannot be restored.
Gently refining a rough edge so the tooth feels smooth and its outline looks even. Only a very small amount of enamel is adjusted.
For selected minor enamel chips where the tooth is otherwise sound and enough enamel remains.
A tooth-coloured material is shaped onto the tooth, set with a special light, then polished. Shade and form are matched to the neighbouring teeth.
For suitable chips or small defects where there is enough healthy tooth to bond to and bite forces are manageable.
A thin, custom-made shell is placed over the front of the tooth. This usually needs some preparation of the surface and more than one visit.
For selected cosmetic concerns, for example when shape or colour is also a concern and the tooth is otherwise healthy.
A custom-made covering fits over the tooth to restore its shape and give it protection. The tooth is prepared first, and the crown is made to suit it and your bite.
When a large part of the tooth is missing or weakened, or more coverage and protection are needed than a smaller repair can provide.
The inner part of the tooth is treated first, then the tooth is rebuilt with a suitable restoration, which may be a crown. This is planned with imaging and often takes more than one visit.
When the fracture reaches the pulp, or the nerve is damaged or infected, and the tooth is judged to be restorable.
A clinical examination, with imaging where your dentist feels it is needed.
What can be done for your tooth, with the reasons, and what to expect.
The chosen repair is carried out, then shape and bite contact are checked.
Guidance for looking after the tooth, and any review visits advised.
Imaging, treatment steps and the number of visits depend on the individual case.
A good restoration is one you stop noticing. Planning keeps these goals in view:
Photographs on this page are illustrative and do not show clinic patients or results.
Often a chipped tooth can be repaired, but the approach depends on how much of the tooth is missing, where the chip is, and whether deeper parts are affected. Your dentist will confirm what is suitable after an examination.
No. Smaller chips may be managed with reshaping or bonding. A crown is more likely to be considered when a large part of the tooth is missing or weakened. This is decided case by case.
Only if the fracture involves the pulp, or the nerve of the tooth is damaged or infected. Appearance alone cannot tell this, so an examination, and sometimes imaging, is needed.
Materials and shades can be chosen to blend with your neighbouring teeth. How closely a match is achieved depends on the material, the tooth and the size of the repair, and your dentist will discuss what to expect.
It varies. A small repair may need one visit, while a crown, veneer or root canal treatment usually needs more. Your dentist will outline the likely steps for your tooth.
No restoration lasts forever. Longevity depends on the material, how much of the tooth was restored, your bite forces, habits such as grinding, and how well the tooth is cared for, including regular reviews.
