A cracked or chipped tooth not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also lead to discomfort and dental complications if left untreated.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several effective treatments to restore the strength, function, and aesthetics of damaged teeth.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of cracked or chipped teeth and the various treatment options available to address these issues.
Understanding the Causes of Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Essentially, a chipped or cracked tooth results from a forceful impact to the mouth that exceeds the resilience of your tooth enamel, or the resilient outer layer of your teeth.
There’s an infinite number of scenarios where chipped or cracked teeth can occur.
While enamel is the toughest substance in your body, it may succumb to events such as forceful impacts, teeth grinding, exceptionally hard bites, or accidental falls.
The impact can be further intensified by pre-existing tooth decay, which compromises the structural integrity of the tooth.
Having said that, the most common causes would include:
- Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause teeth to crack or chip.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic teeth grinding, often during sleep, can weaken tooth enamel and lead to chips or fractures.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities weaken the tooth structure, making it more susceptible to cracks or chips.
- Aging: As we age, our teeth may become more brittle and prone to damage.
The Difference Between a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Although they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between a cracked tooth and a chipped tooth.
A chipped tooth can involve either a minor fragment breaking off or a substantial portion being lost, potentially exposing the root. In either case, there’s a loss of tooth material that was previously intact.
Chipped teeth are often visually obvious, emphasizing the importance of immediate treatment for optimal oral health.
On the other hand, a cracked tooth doesn’t necessarily mean the loss of tooth structure, but rather indicates a division within the tooth. This could manifest as a barely perceptible hairline fracture or a more pronounced split extending towards the root.
While a crack may not initially cause as much discomfort as a chipped tooth, delaying dental intervention could result in its progression, potentially leading to tooth loss.
What to Do When You Chip a Tooth
Experiencing a chip or crack in your tooth can be stressful, but quick action is crucial!
Begin by locating any missing piece of your natural tooth, handling it by the crown rather than the root. Preserve it in saliva or milk until you can bring it to your dentist.
To safeguard your mouth from rough edges, cover the affected tooth with sugarless gum, dental wax, a teabag, or another dental filling material.
Ease discomfort and inflammation with an over-the-counter pain reliever, and opt for soft foods to avoid aggravating the injury.
If the chip or crack is minor and your dental appointment is a few days away, maintain oral hygiene by flossing, rinsing with salt water, and avoiding hard foods. Chew on the unaffected side of your mouth whenever possible.
Regardless of the severity, promptly contacting your dentist as soon as possible is essential.These instances would be considered dental emergencies!
Treatment Options for Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Dental Bonding: A popular and cost-effective option for minor chips or cracks. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected area, sculpting it to match the natural tooth shape, and then hardens it with a special light.
Modern Day Dental – St. Johns, FloridaPorcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. They can effectively conceal chips, cracks, and other cosmetic imperfections, providing a natural-looking and durable solution.
Dental Crowns: For more extensive damage or to strengthen a weakened tooth, a dental crown may be recommended. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, and strength.
Dental Implants: In cases where a tooth is severely cracked or fractured beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. Dental implants offer a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Root Canal Therapy: If a cracked or chipped tooth has exposed the inner pulp tissue, it may become infected or inflamed. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Preventing Chipped or Cracked Teeth
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or activities that pose a risk of dental injury.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails.
- Practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Consider addressing teeth grinding or clenching habits with a custom nightguard.
Modern Day Dental – Dentist St. Johns, FL
If you’ve cracked or chipped a tooth and are located in or around St. Johns Florida, consult with Dr. K at at Modern Day Dental to determine which solution is right for you!