Whether a chipped front tooth can be treated the same day depends on how severe the chip is. If only part of the enamel surface has come off and the nerve isn't exposed, we can often scan the tooth on the spot with a CAD/CAM scanner, then design and mill a crown to finish the same day. But if the chip reaches the nerve, or the gum and root need to be evaluated together, additional steps like root canal treatment may be needed, which can make same-day completion difficult.
Does a chipped front tooth always get fixed the same day?
No, not always. The cause and extent of a chipped front tooth vary from case to case, and the treatment timeline depends on whether the nerve is exposed and on the condition of the root and gums. A case where just a corner of the tooth has broken off is approached very differently from one where the crack reaches close to the nerve. That's why an accurate diagnosis has to come first, as soon as you visit.
What specific situations allow for same-day treatment?
For a mild case where only part of the tooth surface is chipped and the nerve isn't exposed, we can often finish a CAD/CAM crown the same day, with no physical impression or plaster model needed. We've used this approach since 2010, and today we use a 3Shape scanner to record the tooth's shape digitally, then send that data straight into design and fabrication. Because this replaces the older process of sending an impression to an outside lab and waiting several days, patients often don't need to wear a temporary crown for very long — that's the real, practical difference.
What's the process for making a same-day crown?
After the chipped tooth is prepared, we scan its shape with a 3Shape scanner and use that data to design and mill the crown. Our in-house milling machine then carves the actual crown, and after checking and adjusting the shade and bite, it's bonded in place. Because this skips the impression-taking, setting time, and the round trip to and from an outside lab, the whole visit takes less time overall. We started this workflow with a CEREC Bluecam system from 2010 to 2016, then moved to our current 3Shape scanner and milling setup, and we've now been running this same digital workflow for close to 16 years. If you're curious what other crown cases can be handled this way, take a look at our Same-Day Crown & One-Day Restoration page.
Are there cases where same-day treatment isn't possible?
Yes, there are. If the chip extends to the nerve, root canal treatment has to come first, and that usually means several visits. If the root is cracked or the gum condition is also poor, extraction followed by an implant may need to be considered instead. In these cases, a careful exam and X-rays to confirm the tooth's condition come before any treatment plan — even with CAD/CAM technology, this diagnostic step can't be skipped. For general information on dental care, you can also check the Korean Dental Association.
What problems can arise if a broken front tooth is left as it is?
If you still have the broken piece, don't throw it away — rinse it with water and keep it. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and avoid very cold or hot food and drinks. Even without bleeding or severe pain, the tooth's condition can worsen over time, so we recommend coming in as soon as possible — ideally within 24 to 48 hours — to have it properly checked.
What should I check before deciding on same-day treatment?
Smile Digital Dental Clinic first opened in 2008, and since 2010 has run on an impression-free CAD/CAM, model-less workflow. Our director later spent a year each on the faculty of the Department of Periodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry and the Department of Prosthodontics at Texas A&M University, then reopened Smile Digital Dental Clinic in Busan Seomyeon in 2018. Today, we run a 3Shape scanner, 3D printers, and a zirconia milling machine in-house, and every implant procedure is carried out using a surgical guide we design and produce ourselves.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee the effect or outcome of any particular procedure. Treatment plans and duration may vary depending on each individual's oral condition.