A chipped tooth, even one without immediate pain, is a common dental injury that should not be ignored. Any visible damage to the tooth’s structure, no matter how small, compromises its integrity and leaves it vulnerable to further, more serious complications. The lack of pain does not mean the tooth is unharmed or that professional attention is unnecessary.
Immediate Steps After a Chip
The first action is to contact a dental professional to schedule an evaluation. While waiting, you can take temporary measures at home to protect the tooth and surrounding soft tissues. Rinsing your mouth gently with warm water helps clean the area and wash away debris.
If the chipped edge feels sharp or jagged, cover it to prevent cuts to your mouth or tongue. A piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax works well as a temporary shield. Avoid chewing food on the side of the mouth where the chipped tooth is located to prevent putting pressure on the damaged area.
Why Painlessness Is Misleading
The reason a chipped tooth often does not hurt immediately is due to the structure of the tooth itself. The outermost layer, enamel, is the hardest substance in the human body and contains no nerve endings. When the chip is confined only to this enamel layer, there is typically no sensation of pain.
However, a chip that extends past the enamel exposes the underlying layer called dentin. Dentin is highly porous and contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the pulp, which houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. Once dentin is exposed, the tooth becomes vulnerable to external stimuli like hot, cold, or sweet foods, which can cause significant sensitivity and pain.
Leaving the dentin exposed creates a direct path for oral bacteria to penetrate the tooth’s interior. This bacterial invasion can lead to decay and eventually infect the pulp chamber, requiring a root canal procedure. Even a small, painless chip structurally weakens the tooth, making it more susceptible to a larger fracture or break.
Professional Repair Options
A dentist will assess the severity of the chip and recommend a permanent repair option based on the extent of the damage.
Dental Bonding
For very small chips that are primarily cosmetic, dental bonding is a common solution. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the damaged area. The resin is shaped to match the original contour of the tooth and hardened with a curing light. Bonding is generally a single-visit procedure.
Porcelain Veneers
If the chip is larger or is on a highly visible tooth, porcelain veneers may be appropriate. A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain bonded to the entire front surface of the tooth. The process requires removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer, which restores the tooth’s appearance and strength.
Dental Crowns
When a significant portion of the tooth is missing or the damage has compromised the tooth’s structure, a dental crown is often necessary. A crown, or cap, is a custom-made covering that completely encases the visible surface of the damaged tooth. This restoration returns the tooth to its original shape, size, and strength. If the damage exposed the pulp, a root canal would be performed first before the crown is placed.