Is a Chipped Tooth Serious?
Dental enamel is the rigid outer layer of a tooth, the durable, protective layer that gives it its lustrous shine. When this enamel is damaged, it can lead to chipped or cracked teeth. In some cases, the extent of the damage may be clear, especially when the inner layers of dentin and pulp are affected by the break. When a severe crack has exposed these inner layers, dental work is crucial to save the tooth and prevent dangerous infection from entering the bloodstream, and you should see your dentist right away. When smaller chips occur, however, affecting only the enamel, it might be difficult to determine how serious it is.
During your regular dental checkups, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and look for any minor fractures, repairing or monitoring these on a case-by-case basis. Even very minor chipped teeth can injure the oral tissues with their sharp edges, so even chips that can’t be seen should be addressed, and, because dental enamel serves such an important protective purpose, repairing chipped teeth is recommended to prevent infection and further damage. When front teeth are chipped, cosmetic dentistry procedures can revive the smile.
In many cases, the only clear indicator of a chipped tooth is the fact that a fragment of enamel is missing from a tooth. If the chip is at the front of the mouth, you’ll be able to see this flaw in the tooth, and, no matter where the chip is, you may be able to feel the glassy, jagged edge of your chipped tooth with your tongue. If the enamel fragment is large enough to expose the sensitive inner tissues of the tooth, you might feel increased sensitivity in the tooth when it is exposed to extreme heat or cold or pain while you’re chewing. In these more severe cases, you may need dental X-rays to fully evaluate the damage. See your dentist right away in either case, and take comfort in the fact that there are multiple effective treatment options for chipped teeth.
Very minor chips could simply smooth out on their own, requiring no treatment. With other minor chips, your dentist may simply buff the rough edges of the tooth so that it matches its mates. More visible chips can be repaired with bonding procedures or veneers, and teeth that are substantially weakened might require crowns or fillings to protect their structure and function. In some cases, when a chip is significant enough to expose the sensitive inner layer of the tooth, this inner tissue is prone to infection, and a root canal is required. Once infected tissue is removed and the tooth is disinfected, you might receive a dental crown to protect the tooth and restore its appearance.
If you chip a tooth and it seems to have happened out of nowhere, it’s probably because the enamel on your teeth is weak or thin. This can happen gradually, simply an effect of time, but you can do your part to keep your enamel strong by following an effective oral hygiene routine and eating a nutritious, balanced diet, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease and reduces the risk of chipped teeth. Limit foods that are high in acid or high in sugar, and, if you have heartburn or GERD, work with your doctor to minimize the acids. If you know that you habitually grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist for an evaluation and fitting for a night guard to protect your teeth and jaw and prevent chipped enamel. Extensive dental work can also weaken the teeth and increase the risk of chipped or fractured teeth. While minor chips probably won’t cause problems, let your dentist decide that, and work with them and your healthcare team to resolve underlying issues that compromise the health of the teeth.