What has chipped?
Restorative ceramic.
← All explanationsCeramic chipping
What does a chip in dental ceramic mean?
Ceramic chipping is loss of a fragment of restorative ceramic, for example from a crown or bridge. Its extent, position, loading and the remaining restoration determine management. A small chip does not automatically mean the whole crown or underlying tooth has fractured.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Identify the defect
Assessment distinguishes missing ceramic, separation of a veneer layer and deeper structural damage.
Check function
Sharp edges, contacts, the bite and stability matter alongside appearance. A photograph cannot replace the complete assessment.
Choose an appropriate response
Monitoring, smoothing, repair or replacement may be considered. Repair is not suitable for every defect.
At a glance
Always replace it?
No; it depends on the findings.
Glue it yourself?
No.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Identify the defect
Assessment distinguishes missing ceramic, separation of a veneer layer and deeper structural damage.
Check function
Sharp edges, contacts, the bite and stability matter alongside appearance. A photograph cannot replace the complete assessment.
Choose an appropriate response
Monitoring, smoothing, repair or replacement may be considered. Repair is not suitable for every defect.
Often confused
Ceramic chipping and tooth fracture
Chipping here concerns ceramic. Fracture of tooth tissue or a supporting framework is a different finding and may need different management.
Quick answers
Do I immediately need a new crown?
Not always. Suitable local defects may be smoothed or repaired when stability and the remaining restoration allow.
Can I file or glue it myself?
No. This can further damage the material, tooth or soft tissues. Have the edge assessed.
What should I describe when calling?
When it occurred, whether anything is sharp or loose and whether it hurts. Report loose parts or significant symptoms directly and promptly.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is only the surface affected or also the supporting structure?
Describe the damaged area; call directly for a loose restoration or significant pain.
Have a ceramic defect assessedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Cohesive fracture
- Breakage within a material.
- Delamination
- Separation at the interface between layers.
- Refurbishment
- Reworking an existing restoration, for example by smoothing or polishing.
Make the distinction
Chipping here concerns ceramic. Fracture of tooth tissue or a supporting framework is a different finding and may need different management.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.