Teeth are relatively fragile and, if traumatized, often will chip or fracture. If the fracture does not involve the pulp (the inside of the tooth), the solution may be to bond the tooth. If the pulp is damaged, however, it will be necessary to undergo a root canal operation or the tooth will likely abscess. Due to this possible complication, it is important that no permanent treatment, such as a crown, be applied to a recently traumatized tooth.

To restore a chipped tooth, the dentist first determines if any pulp has been damaged. If so, then a root canal is necessary. This involves cleaning out the canal inside the root which carries the nerves and blood vessels.

If no pulpal damage exists, the dentist will determine if there is enough tooth structure left to bond the tooth. If there is, composite bonding may be applied. If there is not enough tooth structure for bonding, it may be necessary to place pins into the tooth to hold the composite bonding in place. After a 3 month period, the tooth is reevaluated to determine if the pulp 'is still healthy and whether more definitive treatment, such as a crown,is necessary.