Chipped Tooth
Teeth are extremely strong and durable by nature. It is surrounded by a layer of enamel with prevents tooth decay and infections. When your teeth are healthy, you are able to bite, crunch, and chew with no problems!
However, your tooth enamel can crack or chip. Some common ways this can happen is if you bite something hard or even physical trauma to your teeth. Depending on the severity of the tooth damage, the degree of treatment will vary.
Please note: If you suffered head trauma or severe trauma to your teeth then immediately call 911 or head to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
If you have a chipped tooth, contact Sun Dentistry and we can setup an appointment immediately at any of our locations.
What To Do With A Chipped Tooth
When you have a chipped tooth, it’s best to notify your dentist immediately. A chipped tooth is a broken layer of your tooth's enamel.
Your chipped tooth can lead to a wide variety of other conditions:
- Develop additional cracks
- More severe pain and sensitivity
- Damage to dentin layer
- Infection and tooth decay
- Root decay
- Tooth extraction
The treatment for a chipped tooth can be quick and easy which is why it is best for this problem to be treated early.
Types of Chipped Teeth
There are different types of chipped teeth and each one may have a different treatment. The severity of the condition depends on a range of factors and all of this needs to be determined by a dentist.
Our dentists at Sun Dentistry are experts in dealing with chipped teeth. We take extra care to be gentle during your time with us. Fill out a contact form or phone us at:
Chipped teeth are classified in the following ways:
- Cracked Tooth – crack extending from surface to root
- Crazed Lines – shallow, tiny cracks on the surface
- Fractured Cusp – break in chewing surface
- Split Tooth – A result of a long-term crack. Each has its own distinct sections
- Vertical Root Fracture – extends from root to chewing surface of a tooth
Pain With Chipped Tooth
Pain with a chipped tooth can vary. Patients can experience a wide variety of symptoms from no pain to severe pain. With long standing cracks, extreme pain can develop along with bad breath and fever with infections.
If you are experiencing pain, acetaminophen or an over the counter pain medication can be used, however you should consult your dentist or doctor before taking the medication. Rinsing with salt water will help decrease the chances of infection. Regardless, contact our dentists quickly to schedule an appointment. Our clinics have emergency dental spots which a chipped tooth can be scheduled in.
Repairing Chipped Teeth
To repair simple cracks or chips, dental bonding can be used. Sometimes something stronger might need to be used such as a composite resin. This has a more tooth colored look and allows it to have a more natural appearance and feel.
Depending on crack, our dentist will consult with you the different options and the pros and cons of each treatment.
When a tooth is damaged to the root, more intervention is required. The nerve of the tooth is extremely important and may need to be cleaned or removed. Dental crowns may need to be placed in order to restore the strength and protection of the tooth.
In order to have the best looking and healthiest teeth, reach out to our clinic directly. The best way to do that is through our contact form or by phoning. We have locations in Burnaby and Richmond and are open 7 days a week with morning and evening appointments.
Sun Dentistry is always there to offer help and assistance to patients who are in need. Our dental offices are opened 7 days a week and during a wide variety of hours.
We understand that some dental emergencies can’t wait, and we do our best to try and work with our patients when they have an emergency, often coming in after hours. We want to help you in your time in need and you shouldn’t wait if you have a dental emergency. Call us at (604) 559-9937 for our Burnaby location or (604) 273-6011 for our Richmond location.
Don't Wait. Contact us online or call (604) 559-9937 today to begin your consultation.
