A chipped or broken tooth can be a liability to your bright smile. After all, your smile is on display most of the time!
Chipped Tooth
Fortunately, it is possible to treat a chipped tooth. Scroll through this page to learn more.
What Is the Difference Between Chipped or Cracked Tooth?
If you’re confused about whether you have a chipped or a cracked tooth, don’t fret. Have a look at the differences stated below.
| Feature | Chipped Tooth | Cracked Tooth |
| Appearance | A bit of your tooth enamel breaks off. | A crack appears on your tooth. |
| Pain | No pain unless chip is large | Pain while chewing [1] |
If you’re facing discomfort, then it is best to consult your dentist.
Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chipped or broken teeth are common dental problems. Check out the common causes.
Biting Hard Food
Chewing on something hard, such as nuts or candies, can quickly result in a broken tooth. [2]
Bad habits
Certain habits, such as chewing on hard objects like ice, are common causes. Other habits include:
- Nail-biting
- Using teeth as bottle opener
- Holding bobby pins using front teeth
- Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding or clenching can cause a lot of pressure on the tooth. This can cause the tooth to crack. [3]
Trauma or Accident
Injury to the face or mouth can cause broken or chipped teeth. [4]
Age
With age, your teeth get fragile and are susceptible to chipping or breaking easily. [5]
How to Fix Chipped Teeth?
In case of a chipped or broken tooth, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately.
The course of treatment will depend on the severity of the damage caused.
Here are some ways your dentist may approach the issue.
Dental Filling
A dental filling is used when damage is caused to a small part of the tooth enamel.
If the damage is caused to the front tooth, a bonding procedure can be used.
Dental Fillings Can Fix Chipped or Broken Tooth
Dental Crown
The dentist may grind or file away a portion of the remaining tooth if a sizable chunk has broken off.
Further, the dentist will cover it with a crown, a tooth-shaped cap designed to protect the tooth and enhance its look.
Dental Crowns To Treat Chipped or Broken Tooth
Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is used when the front tooth is damaged. A veneer is much like a false fingernail, which covers the front of the tooth.
Dental Veneers Can Treat Chipped or Broken Teeth
Root Canal Therapy
If the pulp of your tooth is affected or infected, root canal therapy may be done.
It involves the removal of the pulp, followed by cleaning the root canal and sealing it.
Root Canal Therapy For Chipped or Broken Teeth
Source: Healthline [6]
Prevention of a Chipped or Broken Tooth
It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure. Here are a few tips that you can follow to prevent a chipped or broken tooth.
- Limit sugar intake to avoid weak teeth
- Reduce acidic food and drink [7]
- Stop chewing on hard food like candy and ice
- Seek treatment for teeth grinding or clenching
- Wear protective sports equipment to avoid mishaps [8]
Conclusion
Suppose you are facing a similar problem and are worried about high dental bills. Don’t!
Dentavacation can help you get affordable dental care abroad.
