A chipped tooth is a common dental issue that can lead to discomfort and anxiety. It often prompts a visit to the dentist due to concerns about appearance and potential sensitivity. Understanding how a chipped tooth affects dental health can help in addressing the problem.
Why a Chipped Tooth Causes Sensitivity
A tooth is composed of several layers. The outermost layer is enamel, a hard, protective substance. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a softer layer with microscopic channels called dentinal tubules. These tubules extend inward to the pulp, which houses nerves and blood vessels.
When a tooth chips, enamel can break off, exposing the underlying dentin. This exposure allows external stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or air, to reach the dentinal tubules. These stimuli can then irritate the nerves within the pulp through the open tubules, leading to pain or sensitivity. The depth of the chip determines sensitivity; minor chips may cause little to none, while deeper chips exposing dentin or pulp can cause significant discomfort.
Additional Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth
Beyond sensitivity, a chipped tooth can present other noticeable symptoms. Sharp or rough edges are a common issue where the tooth has broken. These jagged edges can irritate or cut the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks, causing sores or discomfort.
A chipped tooth might also cause pain when biting or chewing, even without exposure to temperature changes. This pain occurs if the chip affects the tooth’s structure, altering how opposing teeth meet or placing pressure on the damaged area. Visible damage, like a missing fragment or discoloration, also indicates a chipped tooth. A substantial chip can weaken the tooth’s structure, making it susceptible to further damage or fracture. If a deep chip exposes the pulp, bacteria can enter, potentially leading to infection, severe pain, or an abscess.
Immediate Steps and Professional Treatment
If a tooth chips and causes sensitivity, immediate steps can help manage the situation before professional dental care:
Rinse the mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove debris.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for temporary relief.
Cover the chipped area with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect soft tissues from sharp edges.
Avoid biting down on the chipped tooth and consume soft foods until a dentist evaluates the damage.
Prompt professional dental attention is important, as delaying treatment can worsen sensitivity, cause further damage, or lead to infection. Dentists have various treatment options depending on the chip’s severity.
Treatment Options
For minor chips, dental bonding applies a tooth-colored composite resin, sculpted and hardened with a special light.
For larger chips or cosmetic improvement, porcelain veneers, thin covers bonded to the tooth’s front surface, may be recommended.
For more significant damage, a dental crown, a cap covering the entire tooth, protects it from further harm and restores function.
If the chip exposes the pulp and leads to infection, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and seal the tooth.
In rare cases of irreparable damage, tooth extraction might be the only option, potentially followed by a dental implant.