Did you know that teeth are stronger than bones? At Rhoades Family Dentistry, we’re often asked how teeth can chip if they’re so strong. Chipped teeth happen for many reasons: exposure to acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding (bruxism), or injuries.
Have you ever been injured to the point where you’ve chipped a tooth? What about biting into something hard – did you accidentally chip your tooth? No matter how it happens, chipped teeth are a common nuisance for many Americans.
So what should you do to fix chipped teeth, and what are your cosmetic options? Continue reading to learn about chipped teeth, what causes chips, when it’s an emergency, and about some cosmetic treatments that can restore your smile.
What is a Chipped Tooth?
Your teeth are built to withstand a significant amount of pressure, but they aren’t indestructible. A hard impact to the mouth or biting down on something unexpectedly hard can cause a tooth to crack, chip, or fracture. One reason teeth are so durable is their outer layer, the enamel. In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, even stronger than bone.
A chipped tooth occurs when part of that hard outer layer breaks off. Unfortunately, once enamel wears down due to demineralization, the body doesn’t regenerate it. Once enamel is weakened, it won’t grow back, making teeth weaker and prone to chips. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and scheduling biannual dental check-ups is crucial for preventing chipped teeth and other oral health concerns.
Why Do Teeth Chip?
Primarily composed of minerals, enamel acts as a protective barrier around the more sensitive structures inside each tooth. Although it’s the hardest substance in the human body, enamel can gradually become worn or weakened over time from the following:
- Sugary foods/drinks
- Acidic foods/drinks
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Physical trauma
- Biting hard objects
As enamel wears down, teeth may become more susceptible to cavities, cracks, and chips. Therefore, consuming a healthy, nutritious diet is crucial to maintaining strong teeth and gums. Eating foods low in sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals helps keep teeth stronger, protecting enamel, while foods with vitamin D can aid in the prevention of gum disease.
Cosmetic Options for Fixing a Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth can happen unexpectedly, and the appropriate response depends on the extent of the damage. Whether from a physical injury, biting into a hard piece of candy, or playing sports, discovering that part of your tooth has broken away can be alarming, but doesn’t always need immediate fixing. Generally speaking, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency if the pulp is compromised.
If you have inflammation, bleeding, or intense pain, contact your dentist right away. If you aren’t experiencing pain and the chip is more cosmetic, contact your dentist to discuss your symptoms, and they’ll decide whether you should be seen right away or schedule an appointment. Cosmetic repair options include the following:
- Polishing and contouring the tooth for very minor chips
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Root canal
Emergency chipped tooth treatments often require a root canal. Getting an emergency root canal on a chipped tooth where the pulp is compromised helps protect it from additional irritants and restore the tooth’s appearance and functionality by placing a crown. For extreme chips where the tooth can’t be saved, your dentist may need to discuss a dental implant.
Where to Go for Emergency Dental Care
Sometimes teeth chip after normal business hours, leaving you wondering what to do in the event of an emergency. If you already have a family dentist, contact their office and ask them about emergency dental care and mention your chipped tooth. Most offices will have a phone number to contact for dental emergencies after normal business hours.
If your dental office doesn’t provide emergency dental care or can’t get you seen right away, you can visit your nearest urgent care or emergency room. It’s always a good idea to consult with your insurance provider to discuss what services are covered.
Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry with Your Family’s Dental Care
Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventive maintenance, fillings, root canal therapy, and more. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to serve you, including fixing chipped teeth.
If you’re a patient who has dental fears surrounding a root canal, chipped teeth, or other dental concerns, we have the following anxiety-reducing modalities available upon request:
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
- An extensive list of entertainment media
- Oral sedatives to take before your appointment
- IV sedation for severe dental anxiety
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you with excellent dental care and helping your family achieve healthy smiles!
