Although tooth enamel is considered the most resistant tissue to damage, it can chip or even break upon impact. Mechanical damage to teeth most often occurs during car or bicycle accidents. Chipping can also be a result of poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and a weakened immune system, such as illness or a vitamin deficiency. Chipping can also occur when eating hard foods, such as nuts. Drugs can also significantly weaken enamel.
Mechanical damage is much more common in people struggling with tooth decay or who have undergone root canal treatment. The enamel of these teeth is significantly weaker and more susceptible to damage.
If your enamel is chipped, a dental consultation is necessary. Even if the chip isn't visible when you smile, it can lead to further oral problems. It's also important to determine the cause of the chip. If it wasn't caused by an accident, other measures may be necessary to improve your oral health or strengthen your body.
If a tooth chips, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. This type of damage can often be easily repaired (often with dental bonding), minimizing the risk of complications.
Chipped tooth – causes
Typically, the first symptom of a chipped tooth is pain and the appearance of a fragment of the chipped tooth in the mouth. Furthermore, the teeth become hypersensitive, especially when exposed to hot or cold foods. A chipped tooth also has a visibly altered structure. In the case of a very small chip, its presence may only be discovered during a visit to the dentist.
Repairing a chipped tooth is only possible at the dentist's office. Trying to fix it yourself and using home remedies can have disastrous results. It's best to act quickly – reporting this problem to a dentist early increases the chances of completely resolving the problem. Waiting too long can lead not only to further damage but also to the destruction of the tooth pulp.
What to do with a chipped tooth?
In the case of minor chips, the most common repair method is to smooth the tooth's surface and gently reshape it. Another option is the use of veneers, which are porcelain or composite plates that fit perfectly to the teeth. Dental crowns or standard fillings are also possible. The choice of treatment method for a chipped tooth depends primarily on the cause of the damage and its extent.
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth depends on the method chosen by the patient and the one recommended by the dentist. Using the simplest and least invasive methods of repairing a chipped tooth, you should expect to spend around $200-400. In the case of crowns or veneers, this cost increases significantly. In most cases, treatment plans are priced individually, so it's best to obtain pricing information directly from the dentist's office.
Symptoms of a chipped tooth
There are so-called temporary fillings available on the market for self-application. However, you should not attempt to treat a cavity caused by a chip with various substances and products. Proper tooth protection can only be achieved by a dentist.
A chipped tooth is a problem that should be addressed immediately and should be consulted with a specialist. Ignoring the problem can lead to numerous future health complications, the treatment of which may be impossible or very expensive. Call us today if you think you have a chipped tooth!
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