Break, Cracked, or Chip Your Tooth? Come See Us!

Anyone can experience a chipped tooth. A child playing baseball, a teenager eating hard candy, or an adult in a car accident can suffer trauma that results in dental damage. Fortunately, a chipped tooth is usually not serious but should be examined by a dental professional. Depending on the size and severity of the chip, you may have pain or sensitivity. A chipped tooth can also irritate the tongue and the gum around the damaged tooth.

If you chipped your tooth, Vero Elite Dentistry can help! Learn more about chipped teeth, when to see a dentist, and recommended treatments for chipped teeth.

Is My Tooth Chipped or Cracked?

Stress-related oral health conditions have become more common in recent years. According to a Health Policy Institute Poll, dentists surveyed reported a 63 percent increase in the prevalence of chipped teeth.

While dental chips and cracks are two different conditions, they are often confused. A chipped tooth is usually a cosmetic problem and affects just the outer enamel of the tooth. In some cases, a chip can be large enough to impact the support layer or dentin.

A cracked tooth involves damage that extends past the enamel and dentin layers and into the center of the tooth. Cracked teeth require more immediate attention as they can result in serious health complications without the proper treatment.

When Should I See a Dentist for Oral Care?

Diagnosing a chipped tooth is fairly straightforward. If you have a chipped tooth, you will usually see a piece of the tooth missing and the area may be sharp or jagged. You may feel the broken spot when you run your finger or tongue over the area and the chipped tooth may be sensitive to hold and cold.

If you suspect that you have a chipped tooth, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule repair. While some chips are surface level and only damage the enamel, others can enter the deeper tooth structures and even damage a nerve, resulting in pain and extreme sensitivity.

What are the Treatments for a Chipped Tooth or Broken Tooth?

Treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on the size and severity of the chip. If you have a small chip that only affects the enamel, your dentist may recommend filling or bonding the tooth. A chip on a front tooth will typically be repaired using a tooth-colored composite resin that matches your natural tooth color.

Other treatment options for chipped teeth include dental veneers and dental crowns. Veneers and crowns are best suited for patients with larger chips.

A veneer or crown can cover the tooth damage and help restore your beautiful smile.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Even with good oral care practices, anyone can chip a tooth. If you have a chipped tooth in need of repair, trust the professionals at Vero Elite Dentistry to provide quality treatment and exceptional care. Contact us online or call 772.617.2869.