Chipped Tooth: What You Need to Know
A chipped tooth is a common dental problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age or oral health. It can happen when you bite on something hard, such as ice, candy, or nuts, or when you suffer a trauma to your mouth, such as a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. A chipped tooth can also result from tooth decay, enamel erosion, grinding your teeth, or having large fillings that weaken the tooth structure.
A chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, but it can have serious consequences if left untreated. Depending on the size and location of the chip, it can cause pain, sensitivity, infection, inflammation, and further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. It can also affect your appearance, speech, and self-confidence.
Fortunately, there are various treatment options available for chipped teeth, depending on the severity and symptoms of the condition. In this article, we will explain the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of chipped teeth, as well as how to prevent them and what to do if you have one.
Causes of Chipped Teeth
There are many factors that can cause a tooth to chip, but they can be broadly categorized into two groups: external and internal.
External causes are those that involve a physical force or impact on the tooth, such as:
- Biting or chewing on hard foods or objects, such as ice, candy, nuts, bones, pens, or fingernails
- Falling or getting hit in the face or mouth, especially during sports or other activities
- Using your teeth as tools, such as to open bottles, packages, or cans
- Having an accident or injury that involves your mouth, such as a car crash, a bike accident, or a fight
Internal causes are those that involve the weakening or deterioration of the tooth structure, such as:
- Tooth decay or cavities that eat away at the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth
- Enamel erosion that results from exposure to acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, coffee, or wine, or from medical conditions, such as acid reflux, bulimia, or alcoholism
- Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, which can wear down the enamel and cause cracks or fractures
- Having large or old fillings that can compromise the integrity of the tooth or cause cracks or leaks
- Aging, which can naturally reduce the strength and resilience of the enamel
Some people may have a higher risk of chipping their teeth than others, due to factors such as:
- Genetics, which can affect the shape, size, and density of the teeth
- Diet, which can influence the amount and type of acid and sugar that the teeth are exposed to
- Oral hygiene, which can determine the presence and extent of tooth decay and plaque buildup
- Dental habits, which can involve the frequency and quality of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist
- Lifestyle habits, which can include smoking, drinking, or using drugs, which can affect the health and appearance of the teeth
Signs and Symptoms of Chipped Teeth
The signs and symptoms of a chipped tooth can vary depending on the size and location of the chip, as well as the condition of the tooth and the surrounding tissues. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- A visible or noticeable chip or crack on the tooth surface, which may be jagged, sharp, or uneven
- Pain or discomfort when biting, chewing, or applying pressure on the tooth, which may be mild or severe, constant or intermittent, or triggered by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli
- Sensitivity or tingling in the tooth or the surrounding gum, which may be more pronounced when exposed to air, water, or temperature changes
- Inflammation or swelling of the gum around the chipped tooth, which may indicate an infection or abscess
- Bleeding or bruising of the gum or the inside of the mouth, which may result from the chip cutting or scraping the soft tissues
- Difficulty or changes in speaking, eating, or smiling, which may affect your daily functions and quality of life
Some chipped teeth may not cause any noticeable signs or symptoms, especially if the chip is small or located in the back of the mouth. However, this does not mean that the chip is harmless or can be ignored. Even a minor chip can lead to complications over time, such as:
- Further damage to the tooth, such as cracks, fractures, or breaks, which can compromise the tooth structure and function
- Decay or infection of the tooth, which can spread to the pulp, the inner layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, and cause severe pain and inflammation
- Loss of the tooth, which can result from the tooth breaking off completely or becoming too damaged or infected to be saved
- Damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, or bones, which can occur if the chip interferes with the alignment or bite of the teeth, or if the infection spreads to the adjacent tissues
- Aesthetic problems, such as discoloration, staining, or gaps, which can affect the appearance and attractiveness of your smile
Therefore, it is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible if you have a chipped tooth, even if it does not cause any discomfort or inconvenience.
Diagnosis of Chipped Teeth
To diagnose a chipped tooth, your dentist will first ask you about your medical and dental history, as well as the cause and symptoms of the chip. They will then examine your mouth, using a dental mirror, a probe, and a light, to assess the extent and location of the chip, as well as the condition of the tooth and the surrounding tissues. They may also take X-rays, photographs, or impressions of your teeth, to get a clearer and more detailed view of the chip and its impact on the tooth structure and function.
Based on the diagnosis, your dentist will determine the best treatment option for your chipped tooth, taking into account factors such as:
- The size and depth of the chip, which can range from a small enamel chip to a large dentin or pulp chip
- The location and visibility of the chip, which can affect the aesthetic and functional aspects of the tooth
- The symptoms and complications of the chip, which can include pain, sensitivity, infection, or inflammation
- The overall health and condition of the tooth and the surrounding tissues, which can influence the success and durability of the treatment
- Your personal preferences and expectations, which can involve the cost, time, and appearance of the treatment
Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth
There are various treatment options available for chipped teeth, depending on the severity and symptoms of the condition. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Dental bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the chipped area and hardening it with a special light, to restore the shape and appearance of the tooth. This is a simple, quick, and inexpensive procedure that can be done in one visit, and is suitable for small to moderate chips that do not affect the tooth function or pulp.
- Dental veneers, which are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth, to cover the chip and improve the appearance of the tooth. This is a more durable and natural-looking option than bonding, but it requires more preparation and cost, and may involve removing some of the tooth enamel. It is suitable for moderate to large chips that affect the front teeth and the smile.
- Dental crowns, which are caps that are placed over the entire tooth, to protect the chip and restore the strength and function of the tooth. This is a more invasive and expensive option than bonding or veneers, but it provides more stability and longevity, and can prevent further damage or infection. It is suitable for large chips that affect the tooth structure or pulp, or for teeth that are severely decayed or worn.
- Dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, to replace the chipped tooth and support a crown, bridge, or denture. This is the most complex and costly option, but it provides the most realistic and permanent solution, and can prevent bone loss and shifting of the adjacent teeth. It is suitable for cases where the tooth is completely broken or lost, or cannot be saved by other methods.
Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each treatment option, and help you choose the best one for your chipped tooth, based on your individual needs and goals.
Prevention of Chipped Teeth
While it may not be possible to prevent all chipped teeth, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of chipping your teeth, such as:
- Avoid biting or chewing on hard foods or objects, such as ice, candy, nuts, bones, pens, or fingernails, and use scissors or pliers instead of your teeth to open packages or bottles
- Wear a mouthguard or a helmet when playing contact sports or engaging in activities that may involve a risk of injury to your mouth, such as football, hockey, skateboarding, or biking
- Wear a night guard or a splint if you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, and seek professional help to address the underlying causes of your bruxism, such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, to prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup that can weaken your teeth
