WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CHIP A TOOTH? When you chip a tooth, a piece of the tooth enamel breaks off. If it is a minor chip, you might be lucky and not have any
If you break or chip a tooth, one of the possibilities is that you only damage the enamel layer. This means that you might not compromise the dentin layer, which protects the sensitive pulp. In that case, it's possible not to feel pain or only feel a mild toothache.
Even if it doesn't hurt or bleed, a cracked tooth or chipped tooth should be seen by a dentist. The amount of urgency, however, depends on the type and severity of the problem. It can be dangerous to ignore a break in a tooth.
Always play it safe
Although it may appear to you that just a tiny piece of tooth has been lost; with closer examination, it is possible that more of the enamel may have cracked with it. If left untreated, this could allow bacteria to enter the tooth through the cracked enamel and lead to infection and decay.
Depending on the chip, you can leave it until the next day, but it may indeed count as a dental emergency and require immediate attention. To maintain your oral health, it is best to always consult your dentist about a chipped tooth.
You can still brush a broken tooth, but you should be gentle and very careful while doing so. Brushing too hard could cause pain or further damage to the tooth, especially if the nerves on the inside of the tooth are exposed. Flossing around a damaged tooth may help to reduce pain or pressure on the broken tooth.
A broken tooth shouldn't be left untreated. Even if a broken tooth doesn't hurt or isn't bothering you, it can put you at risk for other more serious issues if not corrected quickly. One of the most bothersome risks of leaving a broken tooth alone is having food get stuck inside, which can cause acute infections.
Schedule a dentist appointment
A minimally broken tooth that does not hurt is not an emergency, but a non-invasive appointment with the dentist is still necessary to ensure the tooth is protected long-term.
What if a Molar Broke in Half? Call the dentist immediately if a broken tooth is painful or bleeding. But, even with a bad break, you might not feel pain or see any blood. These things usually mean that the break is not an emergency—but you should make a dental appointment anyway.
Ongoing poor oral hygiene is a common reason why a tooth chips for no apparent reason. Cavities and decay weaken enamel and undermine the integrity of tooth structure. You may not notice any changes in your teeth until you get a sudden chip. Reduce your risk of tooth chipping by brushing twice a day for two minutes.
Tooth decay weakens teeth by breaking down the hard outer layer of enamel, which exposes the inner dentin layer. This dentin layer is porous and can become infected, eventually causing the tooth to crack, chip, or even fall out.
It can cost $300 to $5,000 to fix a chipped tooth, depending on the method used to repair the tooth. Dental bonding is the cheapest option, while an implant is the most expensive option. There are many ways you can chip your tooth, such as trauma to the face or mouth, chewing on hard foods, or poor oral hygiene.
A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.
Leaving a Chipped Tooth Untreated
Without professional treatment, the broken tooth is susceptible to an infection that will only get worse over time. This infection can move to the neck and head, causing all sorts of health problems. While rare, it is possible for a chipped tooth to prove life-threatening.
If just a very small portion of your tooth has chipped, it will eventually smooth out due to your saliva. Over time the tooth will feel smooth on your tongue and you won't be able to notice the chip anymore.
If you're wondering, “Can a dentist fix a half-broken tooth?”, yes, a dentist can usually fix a broken or chipped tooth. However, it's essential to get to your dentist as soon as possible after realizing your tooth broke in half.
If a molar is only half-broken, it can usually be fixed in one of two ways. If the break is relatively minor and the edges are still intact, your dentist may be able to bond the broken pieces back together. If the damage is more severe, they may need to use a dental crown or filling material to cover the break.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain – As the nerves that lead to a dying tooth begin to die away, they may become extra sensitive, causing you a tooth ache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may experience pain while chewing at or around the site of the dead tooth.
Yes, a dead or decaying tooth may emit a foul odor due to the bacteria growing in and around the tooth. Bad breath and a bad taste are common signs of tooth decay and a dead tooth.
However, if a tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may not be able to save it. In these cases, they will normally recommend that the tooth be removed. Dentists may recommend removal in the following circumstances: Dental injury resulting in a cracked or fractured tooth or root.
Most Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
Poor tooth enamel due to unhealthy dental practices or decay. Impacts or trauma from sports or accidents. Chewing or taking a hard bite on hard foods, candies or even ice cubes. Teeth grinding while asleep or awake.
The cost of the treatment will vary according to the extent of the damage. You can expect to pay approximately $300 to $600 for dental bonding and crowns can cost you anywhere between $700 and $2100 depending on how bad the damage is.
In this distinction, a chipped tooth is mostly a cosmetic problem–although it can make your tooth vulnerable to future problems. A cracked tooth, on the other hand, is a functional and health problem that needs attention quickly, because it could lead to serious complications now and in the immediate future.
Chipping a tooth is quite common even though tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. Whether the chip is visible (because it's on one of your front teeth) or not, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. If ignored and left untreated, a chipped tooth can lead to larger issues.
Stress can cause problems for your mouth, teeth and gums from teeth grinding and clenching, leading to broken and damaged teeth, headaches, neck and jaw pain and a host of other problems.