Chipped teeth are caused by many things, like teeth clashing during an argument, biting down on something hard, or falling or slamming into a hard surface. They can cause a lot of pain, especially if they break the inner enamel and get infected.
Many people avoid going to the dentist because they’re scared. But any injury to your teeth can lead to serious health complications like a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. This is why it’s essential to tend to your chipped tooth as soon as you notice it.
Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Identify the Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Having a chipped tooth can be an uncomfortable experience. Identifying the causes can help you in understanding what to do next.
Common causes of chipped teeth include trauma from an injury, difficulty with cavities and fillings, grinding and clenching, and biting into hard foods. The impact from an injury is one of the most common ways a tooth can be chipped, this can be from sports, a fall, or physical assault.
Cavities and fillings can weaken your teeth, making them more vulnerable to cracking. Clenching and grinding your teeth can lead to fractures, while biting into hard foods can cause chipping, as well.
After chipping your tooth, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. He/she will be able to assess the chip, discuss treatment options and make sure that no other issues are present.
See a Dentist Immediately
After experiencing tooth problems, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. This person can assess the extent of the damage and decide the best course of action to take.
Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of chipping, ranging from a simple repair using a dental filling to more complicated solutions such as crowns. Depending on the case, the dentist may also suggest root canal treatment to repair the affected area.
The faster one visits a dentist after the damage, the better the chances of preventing further complications. Oftentimes, it can cause mouth pain, so taking care of the problem is essential for good oral health.
Recognize Different Types of Chipped Tooth
Having a chipped tooth can be a very unpleasant experience. However, it is important to recognize its types to determine the best course of action.
Craze Lines
Craze lines, also known as stress lines, are fine cracks in the enamel of a person’s teeth. They don’t cause any harm, but they can detract from the beauty of a smile.
Many factors are known to cause craze lines, such as tooth grinding, aging enamel, and acidic drinks that weaken the enamel of the teeth. Brushing too often or aggressively can also cause craze lines to appear. Additionally, some are already there when a person is born and will become more visible as the person gets older.
Fractured Cusps
Fractured cusps occur when a part of the tooth has been broken off and the cusp, one of the pointed parts of the tooth, is also damaged. It is usually a result of trauma such as from athletic activities, car accidents, or chewing on hard food. The chip can range from a tiny fracture to a large piece of the tooth missing.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth occur when one or more of the tooth’s enamel surfaces are broken or damaged. Mild fractures may only affect the surface of a tooth, while severe fractures can be deep and involve both the enamel and the dentin layer. Depending on the severity, it can cause pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and pressure.
Vertical Root Fractures
A vertical root fracture (VRF) occurs when the root of the tooth breaks. It can happen due to trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the mouth.
VRFs can be difficult to recognize, as the fracture is underneath the gum line and may not be visible to the naked eye. But, they can cause pain, sensitivity, and difficulty when biting down.
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Assess the Recovery Times
Recovery time can vary depending on a variety of factors. It is always best to see your dentist as soon as possible after chipping a tooth to assess the amount of damage.
Cracks can extend deep into the tooth and may need root canal treatment while a minor chip may need a simple filling. Tooth restoration is often the best approach to protect the tooth and extend your recovery time.
In some cases, a crown or veneer may be necessary. Other post-chip treatments such as whitening or reshaping may be needed depending on the severity of the chip.
Ask Questions to the Dentist
It is important to take preventative action to avoid tooth problems in the future. Making sure to brush and floss regularly, visit the dentist for regular check-ups, and avoid hard foods such as candy and ice cubes can all help to prevent you from chipping a tooth. Additionally, if you play contact sports, make sure to wear a protective mouth guard to avoid the risk of chipping a tooth.
If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having chipped a tooth, it is important to act quickly and not panic. Swish with warm salt water to reduce the pain and keep the chipped area clean. Then, contact a dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show Your Best Smile All the Time
In conclusion, it is important to take good care of your teeth. If you have a chipped tooth, consult your dentist as soon as possible. An expert can help you determine the best treatment option.
Be sure to take the necessary steps to ensure that the tooth is preserving your smile to remain intact. Don’t delay and visit your dentist today for the best possible outcome.
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