Chipping a tooth can be sometimes painless. The pain will depend on how big the chip of the tooth is. If you recently chipped or have chipped your tooth, it is very important to consult with your dentist. It is important to consult with your dentist because the dentist has to take an x-ray to make sure there is no trauma to the tooth. It is also important to consult with your dentist because most small chips are repairable or savable and will not need other major treatment.

What causes a tooth to chip?  There are many ways a tooth can chip some frequent ways are biting, teeth grinding, trauma, or decay. Teeth are very strong but if you bite something that is very hard it can cause the tooth to chip, the pressure you put on the tooth will cause it to chip. Bruxism or teeth grinding is also a common way, it is important to wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night. Hitting your tooth on accident can fracture or chip your tooth. Decay is another way a tooth can fracture; the caries softens the enamel causing it to wear off.

What to expect from a chipped tooth? If you have a chipped tooth you might experience some sensitivity. The amount of sensitivity will be based on how much tooth structure is missing. The closer it is to the nerve the most sensitivity you will experience. Some discomfort is normal if the chip is recent, if you are experiencing heavy or pulsing pain then your tooth might have a problem. Your tooth can also begin to loose color if there is trauma on the tooth, it will usually turn dark colored.

How can I fix my chipped tooth?  You have different options in fixing a tooth that’s chipped. Our Santa Ana dentist Dr. Danial Kalantari always gives options in fixing a chipped tooth. He gives his options based on what is best for his patients and what is going to help them long term. If the tooth has small chip, your dentist can polish it to even it out with the rest of your tooth or place a composite fill to replace the missing area. Another option could be capping the tooth or what is known as crown. This is a good idea if the tooth has a large chip. The last option could be placing a veneer if it’s a small fracture and it’s in the anterior area.

All patients’ cases and chips are different, it is best to check what treatment is best for you can consult with your dentist or with our Santa Ana dentist Dr. Danial Kalantari of Smiles on Bristol Dentistry.