A chipped tooth can be a very serious complication in dental health, and can lead to very serious complications in the long term. That being said, its a very common dental injury, maybe the most common, and your dentist will be able to quickly make recommendations to accommodate the issue. The most important thing is that you recognize it early, and take quick action to prevent advancement.
What causes a chipped tooth?
Sometimes seemingly nothing at all causes a chipped tooth. Some patients chip teeth while eating ice cream or hard candy–some while eating mashed potatoes. There is seemingly no rhyme or reason on the surface, but deeper in the root there may be an answer.
* Poor Hygiene- As with all facets of dentistry, if your mouth is not clean, you are at higher risk for this condition. The presence of food particles and bacteria are early warning signs for tooth damage, like chipping or breaking.
* Disease- Gum disease in the root of your teeth may be weakening underlying support structures. The result is a breakage within the dentin and enamel inside your tooth, which leads to a chip.
* Damage- Whether from disease, hard food, or a recent trauma, there may simply be physical damage to the tooth. Something that happened last week could have put a miniscule crack on the surface, which then grew to cause an actual breakage.
What should you do if you experience a chipped tooth?
The first thing you should do for any dental situation is call your dentist. Find a time which is convenient and prompt to see the team. You will want to start with a detailed cleaning. You can then asses what further hygienic steps you need to be taking. Afterwards you can have an examination, where your dentist will identify whether the chip is due to disease, infection, or bad luck. Afterwards, you can discus what repair options are the best alternative for your situation and budget.
Repairing your teeth
When it comes to repair, a great option is a veneer. If the tooth structure is healthy, your dentist can shave down some micrometers of tooth material, and then attach a pristine and beautiful veneer. They can also match the replacement to your other teeth, and no one is the wiser. Your dentist may also opt for a simple tooth bonding, wherein a bit of composite and resin is affixed to the tooth, and then shaped. This option gets you out the door with a repaired tooth quicker than any other.
Replacing your teeth
If the underlying damage is severe, you may need to extract the tooth. This open an entire world of replacement options and materials. Ask about dental implants, as these are the top of the line tooth replacement option.
Which is right for me?
There are only two people who know this; you and your dentist. Come to your appointment informed and curious, and be sure to ask a lot of questions. The ball is in your court now, be active in deciding what tooth repair/replacement option is going to serve your lifestyle the best.