Nobody wants to chip a tooth. But chipped teeth are actually pretty common. And while they’re not always a dental emergency, it’s a good idea to know what may cause teeth to chip so that you can avoid chipped teeth in the future. And in this blog from Country Day Dental, we’ll also discuss the options you have for restoring your chipped teeth with Dr. Schmidgall at our office. Let’s get into the details!
The 5 Most Common Causes Of Chipped Teeth
There are lots of different things that can cause or contribute to chipped teeth. Below, we’ve put together a list of the five most common culprits.
- Bite and jaw problems – If you have issues with your bite or the alignment of your teeth, excessive pressure may be placed on certain teeth when you bite, chew, and clench your teeth. Over time, this can result in chipping or premature wear to these teeth.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – If you grind your teeth uncontrollably, particularly at night, this can weaken and damage your teeth. They may wear down over time, or your teeth may suddenly chip. Wearing a night guard to protect your teeth is the best way to protect against tooth chips from teeth grinding.
- Tooth decay (cavities) – Tooth decay can weaken your enamel significantly if it’s left untreated. This means that if you have one or more cavities, these decayed teeth may be more prone to chipping. Treatment like a filling or a crown can help restore your smile, eliminate decay, and prevent these teeth from chipping in the future.
- Biting a hard piece of food or a non-food object – If you accidentally bite into a popcorn kernel, for example, or you have a habit of chewing on ice, pens, or other non-food objects, your tooth may chip. Keep an eye on what you’re eating, and avoid chewing on non-food objects to protect your teeth.
- Dental injuries – If you’re hit in the face while playing sports or you slip and fall, you could end up chipping or cracking a tooth. That’s why we highly recommend getting an athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth and wearing it during any activity that could cause oral injuries.
How Can I Treat Chipped Teeth?
There are a few different options for treating chipped teeth. The procedure that Dr. Schmidgall recommends may vary depending on the severity of the chip and some other factors.
- Dental bonding – Dental bonding uses a material that’s similar to what’s used for tooth-colored fillings. After Dr. Schmidgall prepares your tooth, he will apply this material directly to your tooth, shape it, harden it, and restore the appearance and function of your chipped tooth.
- Veneers – Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells made of durable porcelain material. They fit right over the front of your existing tooth, covering up the chip and restoring its natural appearance. Veneers are more expensive than bonding, but are also more durable and long-lasting, making them a viable option for treating most minor chips.
- Dental crowns – A dental crown may be recommended if you have a very deep chip or crack in your tooth, or if your tooth is decayed or infected, and must be treated with root canal therapy. Crowns cover up the entire tooth all the way down to your gum line, and provide a seamless result, as well as superior protection for your tooth.
Got A Chipped Tooth In Fort Worth? Come To Country Day Dental Today!
At Country Day Dental, Dr. Ryan Schmidgall is always here to help you get the treatment you need in Fort Worth. If you’ve got a chipped tooth, don’t wait. The longer you wait to get help and restore your tooth, the more likely it is that you may experience further complications, like tooth pain or infection. Contact us online or give Country Day Dental a call at (817) 731-9487 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmidgall and our team right away.
