Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic: A Chipped Front Tooth Can Be Resolved with Same-Day Resin Filling for Aesthetic Restoration

Hello,

I’m Dr. Park Jeong-gi from Remember Dental Clinic near Seoul National University Entrance Station.

At least three times a day,

we look in the mirror

and see our own teeth,

and because our eyes are drawn to them

every time we open our mouths,

if you are facing problems such as

yellowed teeth,

cracks, or chipped teeth,

you will likely keep worrying about them

until they are resolved.

Today, I’ll explain a case of

‘fractured front tooth.’

I’ve introduced similar cases a few times before,

so I think it would be good to refer to those other posts as well.

Since this post was written to provide medical information,

it should be very helpful for readers

who are looking at this because they have a similar issue.

Now, let’s get into the main topic

and look at the photos together.

1. #21 fracture

2025.03.20

In this case,

you can see that the tip of the left upper front tooth (tooth #21)

is slightly chipped.

The amount chipped off is not very large,

and it is somewhat ambiguous

to cover it with a prosthetic restoration at this size.

So do we just leave it like this?

No.

If this is left untreated,

over time

additional fractures may occur.

Above all, the patient will continue to be concerned about it aesthetically.

Because the broken surface is rough,

it can also catch on the tongue,

which naturally causes discomfort.

2. How is it treated?

2025.03.20

At the Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic,

we felt that restoring the appearance

to the original tooth shape

was necessary,

so we decided to perform an aesthetic restoration

using resin.

A material with a color similar to natural teeth

is layered onto the chipped area

and hardened through a light-curing process.

Is it simply enough to fill it in?

No.

During the resin bonding process,

it is important to neatly reproduce

the color and shape of the front tooth.

Also, in carrying out this process,

the key point is how natural it looks,

and whether the material and the original tooth do not stand out,

so the material must be handled precisely.

3. What was the result?

I will show you the completed resin restoration

at the Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic.

2025.03.20

The previously shown fracture area

was neatly filled in without being noticeable.

When you look at this photo,

can you tell where the chipped area is?

The incisal edge, which is the tip of a front tooth,

plays a role in cutting food,

unlike molars,

so its area and thickness

are different from the occlusal surface of a molar.

That is why the level of difficulty is higher,

and the doctor’s concentration and skill are required.

It is also important to ensure that

the labial side and the lingual side

are smoothly connected.

If the lingual side is filled too thickly,

it may contact the lower teeth too closely,

causing the material to come off quickly.

It can also place continuous stress on the tooth,

which may burden it.

That is why carefully checking with articulating paper and Shimstock film

after front tooth resin treatment

is one of the things that must be done.

At the Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic,

it is not enough to simply attach the material;

aftercare must also be done properly

for it to truly be considered successful treatment.

4. Key points

When performing aesthetic restoration of the maxillary anterior teeth,

there is really a lot to consider.

Natural appearance

Aesthetics

Stability

Strong bonding

Restored function

Since there are many other factors as well,

the procedure is naturally difficult,

and post-treatment management is also important.

If you eat hard foods without thinking,

the restoration may chip,

and foods with strong pigments,

such as cola or black tea,

may cause discoloration.

Over time,

secondary decay may develop

through gaps between the material and the tooth.

That is why you must continue to have it checked carefully during follow-up examinations.

The resin treatment explained today at the Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic

is generally possible on the same day,

and a small amount of fracture can usually be resolved right away without any major issue.

However, from the dentist’s perspective,

it is not simply a matter of patching it up.

Because this is a treatment that restores both the function and appearance of the tooth,

it is by no means easy or trivial.

We will continue to provide care with sincerity.

Thank you for reading.

This is Dr. Park Jeong-gi of Remember Dental Clinic near Seoul National University Entrance Station.

Treatment period: 2025.03.20