Many people worldwide are dealing with tooth fractures. The causes of broken teeth are different. It can happen due to accidents, severe decay, or chewing hard foods. Fortunately, with technological advancements in dentistry, several solutions are available to restore the aesthetics and functions of your smile. Today, we will give you all the information you might need about common causes of tooth fractures. If you are interested in learning about this topic, join us until the end!
What Are Chipped Teeth?
A chipped tooth happens when a part of your tooth enamel breaks off. It normally doesn’t cause pain, but it can affect the normal abilities of your mouth, such as chewing and biting. Additionally, it also impacts the clarity of your speech. Leaving your chipped tooth untreated can cause discomfort, sensitivity, or more serious issues such as infection.
What are the Types of Chipped Teeth?
Chipped teeth are usually categorized into different types based on their severity and treatment needs. Let’s take a look at them.
- Superficial chips: These types of chips are usually smaller and don’t cause pain. Dental bonding is a proper solution for this type.
- Larger chips: This type affects a larger part of your tooth enamel, but they don’t damage the inner layer.
- Fractures that reach the dentin: In more severe cases, the damage goes beyond your tooth enamel and affects the layer beneath the enamel, which is known as dentin. This type leads to sensitivity, pain, and discomfort.
What Are the Causes of Broken Tooth?
Chips or fractures occur due to various reasons. After a comprehensive examination, your dentist evaluates the severity of the damage and recommends the type of treatment that suits your needs best. Here, we have mentioned some of the causes of tooth fractures:
- Trauma or accident
- Severe decay
- Biting hard objects
- Teeth grinding
- Large dental fillings
- Age
Need an Emergency Care for Your Chipped Tooth? Are Here to Help!
Our experienced dental professionals at Eagle Family Dentistry are ready to help you restore your dental health by offering quick and effective dental care. If you’re dealing with chipped teeth or tooth fractures, don’t hesitate to contact us now.
Is a Chipped Tooth Considered a Dental Emergency?
To consider a chipped tooth an emergency, it’s essential first to understand the severity of the damage. Minor chips usually don’t need the help of an emergency dentist immediately, but large fractures, especially with sharp edges, can cause pain, discomfort, sensitivity, and bleeding. In this situation, you should book a dental visit with your dentist immediately to prevent further damage and more serious problems.
What are the Warning Signs of A Chipped Tooth?
Tooth fractures or chips can display various symptoms. It depends on the severity of the damage. However, the most common symptoms are:
- Cracks or visible fractures
- Feeling pain and facing difficulties while chewing.
- Sharp edges that damage the tongue or oral textures.
- Experiencing tooth sensitivity
What Are the Treatments for Chipped Tooth?
If you are dealing with tooth fractures, don’t worry! This dental damage can be addressed by different treatment methods. Initially, your dentist needs to assess the severity of the issue and based on the conditions, they recommend the proper solution. The treatment options are:
- Dental fillings: In cases with minor chips, dental fillings can be used to bring back the normal abilities of your teeth.
- Dental crowns: Crowns are placed on the damaged tooth to restore its functions and aesthetics. They are proper for large fractures.
- Dental bonding: This method is usually used for minor gaps. The dentist applies a composite resin that must be hardened with a specific light.
- Dental veneers: They are thin layers that cover the chips and cracks perfectly.
How to Prevent Tooth Fractures
Preventing fractures or chips is possible by following simple tips. First, you should pay attention to your oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing prevent the decay from worsening. Chewing hard foods also should be avoided. They can cause damage to your teeth, leading to different stages of fractures. And finally, if you are dealing with bruxism or doing intense physical activities, remember to use a mouthguard. A mouthguard can cover your teeth and protect them from damage.
Final Word
Chipped teeth can happen for various reasons, from accidental trauma to poor oral care. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely treatment can prevent further damage. Options like dental fillings and crowns are available to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Our experienced team is here to restore the functions and appearance of your smile. We use top-quality materials to guarantee your smile. Experience a high-quality life by having a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Schedule an appointment with our experts now!
FAQs
Can a chipped tooth cause serious problems?
Yes, if untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to infections, further breakage, or damage to nearby teeth.
How long can I wait to see a dentist for a chipped tooth?
It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within a few days. Waiting too long can worsen the damage or increase the risk of infection.
Are there home remedies for a chipped tooth?
While home remedies can’t fix a chipped tooth, rinsing with salt water, covering sharp edges with dental wax, and avoiding hard foods can help reduce discomfort until you see a dentist.
