Chipped teeth are a prevalent dental complication that arises from numerous causes. Though a small chip may not be very painful it is the reason for increased sensitivity in shades of the tooth, aesthetic problem and more severe damage of the tooth in absence of the treatment. Knowing the cause and possible ways and form of treating this disease is essential in controlling it.
Causes of Chipped Tooth
- Trauma or Injury: Chipped teeth are rather a common occurrence, the causes include an accident, a fall, or a sports mishap. Any form of injury, no matter slight it may be, may chip a tooth since the tooth might already be weakened.
- Biting Hard Objects: Biting on hard food items, ice, or other objects that are not foods, using materials like pens or fingernails to bite on may exert a lot of pressure on the teeth, making them chip.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities destroy some part of the enamel and dentin of the teeth; therefore, they are prone to chipping. A decayed tooth will break even when an individual is biting a normal item with normal pressure applied on it.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Bruxism or grinding of the teeth in the sleep or excessive clenching of the jaw will also contribute to wearing of the enamel and chances of chipping.
- Age: It is well appreciated that teeth become more brittle as people age and, therefore, tend to chip as a result of wear of the outer enamel layer.
- Previous Dental Work: Any tooth that has been through the root canal or has very large fillings may be more brittle and may chip easily.
Chipped Tooth Treatments
The management of a chipped tooth depends on how deep the chip is and which tooth is involved. Here are common treatment options: Here are common treatment options:
- Dental Bonding: In small varieties, a Dentist in Lahore may apply white filling material known as composite to solve the chip problem. This is a rather swift and more affordable way of solving this problem.
- Veneers: If it is on the front tooth and the aesthetic aspect has been compromised, one can opt to have a veneer (thin layer of porcelain or composite material) placed on the tooth. It is a sounder strategy than bonding because this is more permanent.
- Crowns: If the chip is big or if there is a large area missing in a tooth, dental crown may be required. In a crown, all the structure of the tooth is encased to produce strength for the tooth.
- Root Canal: If the chip affects the dental pulp- the core of the tooth, and leads to sensitivity or infection, a root canal becomes necessary. After the procedure, a crown is usually put on the tooth for protection, and to complete the function of the tooth.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatment is recommended for small chips with no caries, as it will make the tooth stronger and insensitive.
- Dental Check-Up: It is imperative that one should see a Dentist in Karachi so that he/she can have periodical dental check-ups because once teeth get chipped, they should be checked up often.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of chipping teeth, consider the following preventive measures:
- It is harmless not to chew hard objects like ice or anything else that is not food.
- Use a mouthguard while on sporting activities or in cases when you develop a habit of teeth grinding at night.
- Cavities should be avoided; as a result, ensure that you practice good dental hygiene.
- Teeth cleaning, scaling, and polishing are used to prevent early signs of diseases such as cavities.
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Conclusion
There are some specific ways through which you may chip your teeth, and they include injury, biting on hard substances, and gradual wear due to aging. The option of treatment varies from a simple procedure of just holding the chipped piece together to fitting a crown, or possibly a root canal treatment in the worst affected tooth. Chips can be painful and should definitely be treated at the earliest to understand the severity of the problem and get appropriate treatment.
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