My girlfriend keeps nagging me about a chipped tooth that happened a few weeks ago. I hurt when it first happened but now only every now and then does it bother me. I think she is embarrassed by it, but it doesn’t bother me. Is this something that a dentist needs to fix, or can I leave it alone and save the money for something else?  Will a chipped tooth grow back? Thanks. Logan from SC

Logan – Thanks for choosing our office for your question.

Will a Chipped Tooth Grow Back?

A chipped tooth will not grow back. Although tooth enamel is the body’s most rigid tissue, it is not living. So, your tooth will not repair itself.

Do You Need to Have a Chipped Tooth Fixed?

Whether you need to have a chipped tooth fixed depends on the extent of the damage. A chipped tooth can worsen. Stress on the tooth from biting hard food can cause further damage. It is best to have your tooth examined by a dentist to determine if internal damage to the tooth needs treatment.

If there is no internal damage to the tooth and it is structurally sound, a dentist can repair it with dental bonding. Cosmetic dentists apply dental bonding by hand to fill in the missing space seamlessly. An experienced cosmetic dentist can manipulate bonding to match the color and translucence of your natural tooth. A dentist can complete the treatment in one visit—usually in less than an hour.

Although you are not concerned about the appearance of your tooth, at least have it examined to ensure that the damage is only cosmetic. You can find a cosmetic dentist willing to make treatment affordable for you.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.