What To Do About Chipped Teeth?

Although sometimes thought of as a ‘minor problem’, chipped teeth may mean trouble ahead

There are some types of dental problems that we can’t miss. Issues like tooth decay or root canal infections are likely to make us pick up the phone to see a dentist as soon as we can. Not all dental problems are as obvious and potentially as painful as this though and we might be tempted to ignore some others for as long as we possibly can.

One of these problems is when we chip a tooth. Sometimes we may barely even notice that we have done this and even if we do, we may choose to do nothing about it if it is not causing us too much inconvenience. As we always advise our Epsom patients, you should never ignore a problem with your teeth, however minor it might seem to you. A small problem today could prove to be a much bigger problem in the not too distant future.

Causes of chipped teeth

There are a number of things that can lead to us chipping a tooth. This can be through doing things that our teeth were not designed for, such as opening crisp packets. Other times, we may accidentally bite down on a stray piece of something hard that has found its way into our food. Both of these are annoying of course, but we can at least eliminate the first cause by using the correct implements for the job!

Whatever the cause of the problem, it can lead to a number of issues, either immediately, or over a period of time.

Immediate problems

One of the most likely problems you will notice almost immediately is that the chip has left a sharp edge to the tooth. This can easily cause small cuts and grazes to soft oral tissue such as the lips or tongue. This can be quite painful, especially when we eat or drink something that causes it to sting. Although we might become used to this over time, we really shouldn’t. In addition to any discomfort, there is also a possibility of infection too.

The other problem, depending on the location of the tooth, is that it might be noticeable to others. A chipped front tooth can spoil what would otherwise be an attractive smile.

Longer term problems

Perhaps more concerning for patients of the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre is the longer term damage that even a small chip of a tooth can cause. There is no way, without it being examined by a dentist, that the patient can determine whether the chip is significant enough for the dentin part of the tooth below the enamel to have become exposed. If it has, then there is every likelihood that the tooth will start to decay as bacteria enters that part of the tooth and it becomes infected, Although tooth decay is the most likely result of this, there is also a chance of a root canal infection.

Either of these problems would require an invasive procedure, whether that be a filling or root canal surgery. As always, we advise that if your tooth has suffered any damage at all, even if it seems to be a tiny chip or crack, you should contact our Epsom dental clinic so that you can have it examined by one of our team.

Treating a chipped tooth

The type and degree of the damage caused to your teeth will determine the treatment that is needed to restore it. Sometimes there may also be almost invisible cracks that emanate from the chip that may also need treating. The only way to receive the correct treatment is to have the tooth examined.

Without examining the tooth in person, it is impossible to say what treatment would be needed, but the following are some of the options that are available.

Cosmetic bonding – In many cases, this simple solution will suffice to restore a chipped tooth. Providing that the rest of the tooth has not been compromised and that the issue is cosmetic or that the only issue is a sharp edge, a composite material can be used to replace the missing part of the tooth. This is a non-invasive treatment that will smooth the rough edges and restore the appearance of the tooth.

Filling – Where the dentin part of the tooth has been exposed by the chip, the tooth may need to be filled. This can be done using a tooth coloured filling that matches the colour of the rest of the tooth, offering a strong and realistic solution.

Crown – Where the chip is larger and may have weakened the tooth, we may decide that a crown needs to be fitted. This will not only restore its appearance but will protect and strengthen the rest of the tooth.

Dental veneers – Porcelain veneers are a great way of restoring teeth that have become chipped or cracked. Many older patients whose teeth have become chipped and worn from wear or tear use these to restore their smile. They are also a great way to whiten teeth, especially for those with significant discolouration, perhaps those of an ex smoker for example.

The worst thing that can be done with a chipped tooth, or a tooth damaged in any way, is to ignore it. Please don’t bury your head in the sand and allow the tooth to deteriorate. Treatment can be straightforward and effective if you have the tooth examined as quickly as possible. For damage to a tooth or any other dental problem, we are here to help you. For an appointment or for further information please call the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre today on 01372 720136.