A chipped tooth is problematic for most patients. This is primarily because the effects of the injury are immediately visible when the person opens their mouth, such as when speaking, smiling, or eating. The difficulty with a chipped tooth is not only in the aesthetic aspect but also in repairing the damage to the tooth itself.
A chipped tooth is a problem that requires immediate dental attention. The longer you delay a dental visit, the greater the risk of further damage and the development of tooth decay. Unfortunately, there are no home remedies for a chipped tooth. The only solution is a visit to the dentist.
How does a tooth chip?
Chipped teeth account for 5% of all traumatic injuries. Statistics show that approximately 25% of school-age children and 33% of adults have experienced a chipped permanent tooth. A chipped tooth is most often the result of mechanical trauma. It can occur in various situations, including:
- impact with a hard surface, e.g., during traffic accidents or sports;
- biting on hard surfaces such as seeds, shells, or toys;
- involuntary biting and hitting of teeth against each other – this problem mainly affects people suffering from so-called bruxism, i.e., unconscious teeth grinding, which occurs mainly during sleep.
Although the enamel covering the crowns of teeth is the hardest tissue in the human body, it doesn't always provide sufficient protection. The risk of tooth chipping is higher in:
- People with advanced caries processes.
- Weakening of the tooth structure due to dental treatment.
- People with mineral and vitamin deficiencies, which weaken the condition of the enamel.
A tooth chip itself can look different; sometimes it's just a small piece of the tooth, usually just the enamel, that's broken off. It can also be a large part of the core, and the injury can affect any tooth, from the first teeth to the molars.
Chipping of a tooth with a filling
Chipping a tooth with a filling is a fairly common occurrence. The edges, weakened and visibly thinned by dental treatment, break off, as do either a fragment or the entire filling.
If such damage occurs, it's best to see a dentist as soon as possible, as the old filling usually creates a larger cavity that is susceptible to further decay, which can occur much more quickly. This can lead to pulpitis. Pulpitis is the inflammation of the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
A chipped tooth after root canal treatment also poses a significant risk. This tooth is dead, but its structure is weakened and damaged due to the treatment, so it can easily break off further parts, including the roots. This can easily result in the complete loss of the tooth.
In conclusion
A chipped tooth should never be ignored, as even a small fracture can lead to pain, infection, or more serious dental complications like pulpitis or tooth loss. Prompt dental care ensures proper repair and prevents further damage. If you’ve chipped a tooth, contact us immediately to restore both your comfort and your confident smile.