Chipped tooth
One of the most common dental injuries is a chipped tooth. Dental injuries are most common in young children, but they can also occur in teenagers and adults, for example during sports, falls, or slipping accidents.
A tooth may chip when biting something hard. The underlying cause can also be a bite misalignment or teeth grinding (bruxism).
Chipping can also occur in filled teeth. In these cases, the most common causes are partial or complete detachment of a filling, or the tooth fracturing due to decay.
Especially chips in the front teeth and deeper fractures require precision and an aesthetic eye from the dentist to ensure a natural-looking result.
What should you do if a tooth chips?
Tooth fractures vary in severity. Minor chips affecting only the enamel may not require urgent first aid. A small chip in a tooth or filling can often be repaired at your next dental appointment.
Larger fractures that cause sharp pain, sensitivity, or looseness should be treated as soon as possible—contact a dentist immediately in such cases.
If a tooth is completely dislodged, contact a dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a permanent tooth can be replanted. You should seek emergency dental care immediately. A baby tooth, however, is not replanted.
If the chip is the result of an accident, check whether your insurance covers treatment. For example, many professional unions provide accident insurance for their members, which may cover the repair of a chipped tooth in certain cases.
How can you prevent a tooth from chipping?
A chipped tooth should always be repaired to prevent further damage to the tooth or filling. Early treatment is important.
In addition to seeking prompt care, it is helpful to be aware of the common causes of chipped teeth and how to prevent them:
Dental injuries: Many accidents that lead to chipped teeth are unexpected and cannot always be prevented. In sports such as ice hockey, boxing, and other contact sports, mouthguards should be worn to help prevent dental injuries.
Bruxism: Teeth grinding (bruxism) wears down teeth and can lead to chipping. Grinding is often unconscious and can be treated with a night guard or botulinum injections into the chewing muscles.
Tooth wear: Attrition (tooth wear) exposes teeth to chipping. It is important to determine the cause of the wear and prevent further damage.
Bite misalignment: An imbalanced bite can cause excessive stress on certain teeth, leading to fractures. Correcting bite issues with a dentist and orthodontic treatment can help prevent further damage.
Filled teeth: Modern dental fillings are often very durable and withstand normal wear well. However, an old filling may weaken over time, making the tooth more prone to chipping.
Other oral health problems: For example, tooth decay increases the risk of fractures. Careful oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help protect teeth from chipping or breaking.
If the chip is not caused by an accident but by issues such as bite misalignment or teeth grinding, it is important to identify and treat the underlying cause in addition to repairing the tooth. A chipped tooth is always treated individually according to the situation.
The dentists at eSmile repair both minor and complex fractures with special precision—prioritizing both functionality and aesthetics. Book your appointment today and have your chipped tooth treated painlessly.