Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?
Having a chipped tooth is very common and is one of the main reasons why people need to visit the dentist. In many cases, a minor chipped tooth is not a major problem. Although there are some instances where a major chip can expose sensitive tissue in the tooth to bacteria, which can cause infection. Many people chip their teeth and are unsure if it is an emergency. So you may ask yourself: Is a chipped tooth very serious, or is it a minor problem that can be ignored?
There are many causes for a chipped tooth. They include, but are not limited to:
- Biting on hard objects such as your fingernails, ice, pens, straws, hard candy, and bottle caps.
- Using your teeth as a tool. For example, opening a bottle, tearing open a package, or tearing a tag off your clothes.
- Sugary and/or acidic foods or drinks. Examples include but are not limited to: soda, candies, citrus, coffee/tea, and alcohol.
- Grinding your teeth. Most often, this is done when you are stressed, anxious, or during sleep. Grinding can cause gradual erosion and weaken the enamel.
- Trauma to your mouth from an accident, such as a blow to your face, a car crash, an injury in sports, or a fall.
Now there are a few different severity levels when it comes to a chipped tooth.
- Small chipped tooth: For a minor chip, the damage is likely only cosmetic and is not large enough to damage the enamel.
- Medium chipped tooth: A medium-sized chip can damage the layers beneath the enamel. It is important to see the dentist quickly to avoid an infection.
- Large chipped tooth: A large chip is often the most noticeable cosmetically and poses the greatest threat to infection. With a large chip, the tooth's nerve is likely exposed and can be extremely painful.
- Moderate crack: If a crack is moderate, the tooth may have an opening. If you notice this, it is very important to call the dentist right away to repair the tooth.
- Severe crack: If the crack is larger and goes up to the gum line, a more intensive treatment plan may be required.
While a chipped tooth is definitely less severe than a larger crack, it is still important to protect yourself from any sort of danger and keep your teeth as safe and clean as possible to prevent damage.
- It is important to have proper oral hygiene. It is recommended to brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning or more if recommended by your dentist to ensure your teeth, mouth, and gums stay healthy.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects.
- And if necessary, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth during physical activity or organized sports.
Whether you have a chipped tooth or a severe crack, your dentist will come up with the best treatment plan.
Common Treatment Plans:
- Enamel shaping or polishing: For a chipped tooth, the dentist may smooth out and polish the tooth so that it aligns and blends in with the others next to it.
- Bonding: Bonding is done by using a composite resin to fill in the chip.
- Veneers: Not only are veneers used for cosmetic purposes, but they can also be used to fix a chipped or broken tooth. They look natural, are durable, and provide protection by adding an additional layer to the tooth.
- Crowns: Crowns are in the shape of your tooth and cover it like a cap. This is common if you lose a large portion of your tooth.
- Filling: A filling, which can be made of many materials such as resin, porcelain, or metal, is not only used to fill cavities but can also be used to fix minor cracks or chips.
Just remember that although not all chipped teeth are emergencies and can often just be cosmetic, it is important that none are ignored. Let your dentist know so that you can get ahead of the damage before it worsens.