If you recently chipped your tooth, you may be wondering how big of an issue it is. Really, it depends on a few factors.
Below is more information about the causes of chipped teeth, what can be done to address chipped teeth, and whether having a chipped tooth is a serious problem.
Causes for a Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth isn’t the result of just one thing. There are different causes for chipped teeth. These include:
* An accident. If you fell down, ran into something, fell off your bike, or had a sports accident, you may have chipped your tooth. Sometimes this chip can’t be avoided, but other times protective measures (like a mouth guard) can be used to avoid damage to teeth).
* Bruxism. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you suffer from a condition called “bruxism.” This condition can be extremely damaging to your teeth and can cause them to chip and even crack.
* Tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to a whole host of issues—one of which is a chipped tooth. As the integrity of the tooth is compromised, it can be much easier to damage and chip.
* Chewing on hard objects. Chewing on ice, hard candy, pens, and other hard objects can chip and damage your teeth.
Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?
The answer is, “It can be.” For some, a small chip is simply a cosmetic issue. If the chip is bad enough, though, it can cause more serious problems.
One issue that many encounter is sensitivity. Pressure and temperature can cause discomfort and even pain. A bigger problem is infection. A severely chipped tooth can increase the risk of infection and decay. Some patients even end up cutting their tongues with their chipped teeth!
No matter the reason for the chipped tooth, it’s a good idea to have a dentist take a look at it—especially if it is causing discomfort.
What Do I Do When I Chip My Tooth?
Some of the things you’ll want to do when you chip your tooth include:
* Schedule an appointment with a dentist to take a look.
* Eat soft foods and try to avoid using the tooth.
* Take over-the-counter pain medication.
* Rinse out your mouth after the injury with salt water.
Can a Chipped Tooth be Repaired?
Yes, a chipped tooth can be repaired. While it won’t grow back, there are certain restorations a dentist can perform to improve the appearance and functionality of a chipped tooth. Some of these include:
* Dental bonding
* Dental crowns
* Dental veneers
What form of restoration you require will depend on the severity of the chip or other damage to your tooth. For a cosmetic chip, you may only need bonding. For something more substantial, a veneer or even a dental crown may be required.
Reach Out Today
If you have a chipped tooth and would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist to take a look, schedule an appointment today. We’ll help to determine the reason for the chip and the best restoration method to meet your needs.