Teeth are resilient and strong but are not indestructible. While your teeth are capable of enduring a lot more than you may think, damages like chips, cracks, and various forms of abrasion can really make an impact on the overall integrity of your tooth.
We hope to use this article to discuss the differences between cracked and chipped teeth, common causes of tooth damage, and reasons why you are ignoring them, which is a bad idea. We also hope to share ways you can repair these small incidents at your local Kitsilano Dentist – Broadway Smiles.
Chipped teeth can vary in severity, depending on how extensive the damage is. Most chipped teeth only suffer breakage to the enamel which is the outer layer of the tooth. Depending on the depth, location, and angle of the chip, leaving the area untreated may lead to further damage. A chipped tooth tends to be painless unless the chip is large enough to reach the deeper layer of the tooth, the dentin, which is filled with nerve endings. When you visit your dentist, they will assess the chip and recommend treatment if necessary.
Treatment may include: leaving it alone, smoothening the surface if it is sharp or rough to the tongue, and restoring the chip with filling material if the chip is deep or in a location where it may lead to decay or is causing sensitivity.
A cracked tooth on the other hand is when there is significant breakage in the tooth that causes the tooth to split its composite. This can cause pain while biting, and other symptoms such as sensitivity to temperatures. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can extend to the nerve and even down the root.
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There are many reasons why a tooth might chip or crack. Most commonly there is some trauma to the tooth that causes the damage, such as:
More minor chips in the teeth are very easily ignored and forgotten, especially if they are in a location where your tongue does not go across it often. Even if it is not painful, leaving the tooth exposed for long periods of time can potentially cause more chipping or a cavity may develop.
A chipped tooth can cause abrasion inside the mouth around your lips and cheeks. Chips that start small can slowly expand over time as more of the enamel wears away. This can leave your teeth exposed and overly sensitive. Removing the inner layers can also make you more susceptible to tooth decay.
It is always best to consult a dentist about any concerns you may have regarding your teeth. If you have felt abrasion on the inside of your cheeks or notice that you are biting down on your lips more often than before, this can all be caused by a chipped tooth.
The treatment will vary depending on the case and it is always recommended to visit us at Broadway Smiles in Kitsilano for a full comprehensive checkup.