How to Fix a Chipped Tooth: 3 Treatment Options You Should Know

Bailey Martindale
3 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Chipped a tooth? Don’t panic—you’re not alone. Chipped teeth are one of the most common dental injuries and can happen from something as simple as biting into a hard piece of food or an unexpected fall. The good news? At Sunset Family Dentistry in Clearwater, FL, we offer multiple ways to fix a chipped tooth, often in a single visit.

Here are three expert-recommended treatment options, depending on the severity and location of the chip:

Dental Bonding for Chipped Tooth in Clearwater, FL Sunset Family Dental — Dental Bonding in Clearwater, FL.

1. Dental Bonding (Best for Minor Chips)

Dental bonding is a fast, non-invasive solution for small chips. A tooth-colored composite resin is shaped and applied to the chipped area, then hardened with a special light. It blends beautifully with your natural tooth.

Why patients love it:

Completed in one visit
Affordable: usually $100–$400 per tooth
No drilling or numbing required
Ideal for front teeth or visible areas

Example:

A patient came in with a small chip on her front tooth from biting a cherry pit. We used bonding to repair it in under an hour—she walked out smiling like nothing ever happened.

Dental Porcelain Veneers Clearwater, FL Sunset Family Dental — Dental Veneers in Clearwater, FL.

2. Porcelain Veneers (Best for Larger, Cosmetic Fixes)

If the chip is more visible or you want to improve the overall shape and color of the tooth, veneers are a great option. A thin shell of porcelain is custom-made to cover the front of the tooth, concealing the chip and enhancing the smile.

Why choose veneers:

Long-lasting (10–20 years)
Extremely natural-looking
Also fixes discoloration or unevenness
Ideal for patients looking for a smile upgrade

Quick note: Veneers are typically more of a cosmetic solution and may not be suitable if the damage impacts the tooth’s structural integrity.

Dental Crowns to Fix Chipped Tooth in Clearwater. FL Sunset Family Dentistry — Dental Crowns in Clearwater, FL.

3. Dental Crowns (Best for Deep or Structural Damage)

When the chip is more severe or affects the function of the tooth (like a molar), a crown may be necessary. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth, restoring strength and appearance.

Why crowns work:

Protects weakened or fractured teeth
Matches your natural tooth shade
Restores function for chewing and biting

Did you know?

Crowns today can be made from porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability and aesthetics.

When to See a Dentist

Even small chips can cause sensitivity, attract bacteria, or worsen over time.

If you chip a tooth:

Rinse your mouth with warm water
Apply dental wax if the edge is sharp
Avoid chewing on that side
Call your dentist as soon as possible

At Sunset Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Early treatment not only restores your smile quickly but can prevent more costly damage down the road.