Chipping or breaking a tooth is a common problem brought on by chewing down too firmly or a facial or oral injury. Based on the extent and type of damage, one may require varying treatment options. Even if a chipped tooth results in minor or no discomfort, one should get it checked and seek treatment, as it the jagged edges here could cause damage to the tongue. Additionally, it can change how one eats.
Causes
Dental enamel is one of the toughest surfaces in the body, however, it is not impenetrable. So, one could have a chipped tooth due to the following reasons:
Dental cavities: The risk of chipping or breaking a tooth increases if it becomes more susceptible to tooth disease, cavities, and unsanitary oral habits. A dental cavity, when left untreated, can weaken the teeth.
Injuries: Trauma, such as damage from falls, physical activities, accidents, or aggressive behavior, can be the direct cause of a chipped tooth.
Biting into hard objects: Chewing on hard food or items such as candy, pencils, or ice cubes can chip a tooth. Even if teeth might be capable of breaking through harder food, the rigidity of such items gradually compromises the strength of the enamel.
Bruxism: Teeth grinding, often called bruxism, is an unconscious behavior that includes grinding and rubbing the teeth together. This problem, according to its severity, can lead to damaged teeth, pain, migraines, discomfort in the jaws, and enamel erosion.
Age-related issues: Regular exposure to corrosive meals and drinks causes the enamel to deteriorate. Older adults are also at risk of breaking or chipping their teeth because the enamel loses some of its resilience when one gets older.
Signs
One can be completely unaware that they need tooth repair if the affected tooth is not easily visible. So, recognizing the following signs of chipped teeth can help one avoid further damage:
Feeling a sharp surface: One may feel the jagged edges and the sharp texture when the tongue runs over the chipped tooth’s surface.
Pain when chewing: One can feel pain when applying pressure to the tooth when biting, which can be severe if the tooth is chipped closer to the nerves. The gum tissue around the chipped tooth could also be irritated or sensitive.
Tongue irritation: The tongue can be scratched or cut by the teeth’s rough, irregular edges, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Complications
In addition to altering the appearance of teeth and smiles, not seeking tooth repair solutions can lead to the following complications:
Cuts: One of the most common effects of a chipped tooth is its rough edges piercing the inside of the cheek, tongue, or gums, causing painful injuries that might make chewing and speaking difficult.
Sensitivity: A chipped tooth may lead to tooth decay, eventually resulting in sensitivity. Further, a section of the enamel can chip, exposing the inner nerve and making the tooth sensitive to strain and hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and drinks.
Broken tooth: Due to the fragility brought on by chipping, the tooth can easily break. Further, if it cracks, more intensive procedures than just filling a chip may be required.
Damage: Severe chipping can let germs enter the tooth, which may harm or infect the structure and roots. This can cause excruciating pain and call for root canal therapy or removal of the affected tooth.
Remedies
After chipping a tooth, the immediate course of action should be to minimize discomfort and protect the tooth from additional harm. One can immediately rinse the mouth with hot water. Applying cool compresses to the affected area every few minutes can reduce inflammation. To minimize strain and discomfort, one should refrain from chewing food using the affected side.
Treatment options
The tooth repair strategy is determined by the extent of the damage. Here are the common options:
Contouring and dental bonding: For a slightly chipped tooth, the dentist may polish the surface and smoothen the rough edges. Alternatively, they can fill in the gaps using or try bonding a tiny fragment of porcelain or resin to the tooth or rejoining the detached portion of tooth enamel.
Root canal: A root canal may be required when a break in a damaged or chipped tooth spreads into the pulp. Then the tooth will be capped by a crown.
Dental implants or veneers: Sometimes, a root canal may not be enough. Here, the doctor will recommend extracting the damaged teeth and replacing them with implants. This might be the best tooth repair technique if other options cannot save the affected teeth.
If one chips or breaks a tooth, they should seek immediate medical care to lower the risk of infection and further damage. A dentist can recommend suitable options depending on the extent of the damage.