Whenever we experience something new, especially a new health condition, it is quite normal to have a lot of questions. Why did this happen? How do I know what is going on? Who can help me? What can I do about it? Is this normal? Is there a way to avoid having this happen again? These are all common reactive questions you may be asking. Certainly, there is no exception when you experience your first chipped tooth or cracked tooth.
A chipped tooth can occur for a few reasons, but the most common are injuries or it’s just part of general wear and tear on your teeth. Teeth change with age and composition varies from person to person. How do you know if you have a chipped tooth or cracked tooth? The pain you feel may not always be present and may be hard to tell exactly where the pain is coming from in your teeth. You should definitely visit a dentist like us at Dental Oasis of Clayton sooner rather than later if you suspect the pain in your mouth may be due to a chipped tooth. Like any health condition, treating it quickly tends to produce better results. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in soft tissue tooth injuries) to help you.
There are some differences between a chipped tooth and a cracked tooth. Chipped teeth might not hurt at all until the chip is large enough to penetrate the layer of the tooth containing nerves. Cracks on the other hand usually begin in the enamel at the top of the tooth. Both, if left untreated, can require significant dental work such as crowns or a root canal, depending upon the extent of the damage. Having good dental hygiene is a great way to prevent having an experience like a chipped tooth, as can regular visits to your dentist to treat cavities which weaken your teeth. Wear protection for your teeth when playing sports to avoid an accident and be mindful of biting down on things that are hard – especially if you know you already have weakened teeth.