Does a Chipped Tooth Heal On Its Own?
Posted on March 7th, 2025 | GEkidds
A chipped tooth can happen in an instant— whether from a fall, biting down on something hard, or a sports injury. But once it happens, parents often wonder: Can a chipped tooth grow back?
The short answer is no. While some minor chips may not cause immediate pain, a chipped tooth does not regenerate like a broken bone. However, there are treatment options available to restore your child’s smile and prevent further damage.
Why Won’t a Chipped Tooth Grow Back?
Unlike bone, enamel— the hard outer layer of teeth —is not capable of regrowing once it’s damaged. This is because tooth enamel doesn’t share all the same characteristics as bone.
Bones contain living cells, blood vessels, and nerves, allowing them to grow with our bodies. Our bones are also able to heal and regenerate.
Tooth enamel doesn’t contain regenerative cells or have access to a blood supply and is primarily made up of minerals. Consequently, a fractured or damaged tooth cannot heal itself, and lost enamel will not grow back. However, in some cases, weakened enamel can remineralize (to a certain point).
Potential Risks of Leaving a Chipped Tooth Untreated
Even if your child’s chipped tooth seems minor, leaving it untreated can lead to several issues, including:
- Increased Sensitivity: A chipped tooth can expose the sensitive dentin layer or even the nerve inside the tooth, causing pain. While chipped tooth sensitivity may go away, it depends on the severity of the chip. Without treatment, sensitivity can persist or worsen and eventually, a crack or tooth decay might develop.
- Tooth Decay: A chip creates an opening for bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and infection.
- Further Damage: A weakened tooth is more prone to further chipping or breaking. Without treatment, a minor chip could turn into a deep fracture.
- Sharp Edges: A chipped tooth can have jagged edges that may cut your child’s tongue, lips, or cheeks. While it’s possible a small chipped tooth will smooth out on its own over time, it won’t fully repair itself.
What To Do If Your Child Chips a Tooth
If your child chips a tooth, follow these steps:
- Assess the Damage – Check the tooth for sharp edges or signs of deeper cracks.
- Rinse the Mouth – Have your child rinse with warm water to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a Cold Compress – If there is swelling, place a cold compress on the outside of the affected area.
- Save Any Tooth Fragments – If possible, collect any broken pieces and bring them to the dentist.
- Contact Your Children’s Dentist – Schedule an appointment as soon as possible with our team to prevent further damage and discuss treatment options. We also offer emergency pediatric dental care.
How Does a Dentist Fix a Chipped Tooth?
There are several effective treatments for a chipped tooth. Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may recommend:
- Dental Bonding: A quick and painless procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to repair small chips.
- Dental Veneers: For larger chips in front teeth, a veneer may be used to restore the tooth’s appearance.
- Dental Crowns: If a large portion of the tooth is missing, a crown may be needed to restore strength and integrity to the tooth’s structure.
- Pulp Treatment: If the chip exposes the nerve, root canal therapy may be necessary to prevent infection.
Preventing Chipped Teeth in Kids
While accidents and dental emergencies happen, there are ways to help protect your child’s smile:
- Encourage them to avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, nuts, or non-food items like pens.
- Make sure they wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch potential issues early.
Schedule a Visit at Glen Ellyn kiDDS
If your child has chipped a tooth, don’t wait to find out that it won’t heal on its own. A chipped tooth can’t heal naturally, but our dental team can assess the damage and recommend the best treatment to restore their smile!
Contact Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment. By acting quickly, you can prevent discomfort and keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.
