What are the most common types of tooth damage dentists see?
The most common types of tooth damage that dentists see are chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and wear from grinding over time without having a night guard in place to protect them.
What causes teeth to chip, crack, or break?
What causes teeth to chip, crack, or break is really excessive forces. This could be clenching, this could be grinding, this could be opening packages with your teeth instead of using a pair of scissors. There are a lot of factors that go into that, and we really look at the whole mouth when we see a patient who has something like this going on.
Are some teeth more at risk than others for damage?
Some teeth are at more risk than others for damage, and that really depends on the patient. If someone is a really heavy grinder, then we are really concerned about their back teeth because they're closest to that hinge joint. They're getting a lot of that extra force. Also, if you have teeth that are crowded and maybe one is sitting higher than the other, that would also be at a higher risk of getting that extra wear or fracture.
What should you do if you suddenly have a chipped or broken tooth?
If someone suddenly has a chipped or broken tooth, the first step you should take is to evaluate whether you are having pain. Is this a really small crack? Do you feel like when your teeth come together, they aren't sitting the same way? But ultimately, as soon as you notice it, you should be calling your dentist to try to get scheduled.
What treatment options are available for a chipped tooth?
There are many treatment options available for a chipped tooth, and it all comes down to how big that chip is. It could be as simple as placing a small tooth filling. It could be as extensive as having to do a root canal and a crown. And it really comes down to, as I said, how much of that tooth is remaining.
When would a dentist recommend a crown or other restoration for a chipped tooth?
A dentist is going to recommend a crown or other restoration for a chipped tooth if there is exposed dentin, which is the weaker structure underneath. That makes the tooth more susceptible to future cavities, future breakdown, and future fractures, and it also could potentially add sensitivity down the road. We always want to protect that inner layer of the tooth with some sort of restoration.
How is a cracked molar fixed?
Fixing a cracked molar is really dependent on the size. Most commonly, because of the size of those teeth and because of the forces that they're experiencing, you're going to be told you need a crown. There are some instances where it's a very minor fracture, and then we can talk about doing a filling or just smoothing off the sharp areas, but definitely be prepared that you're going to be told you probably need a crown.
Are there natural remedies to repair a chipped or cracked tooth at home?
Some people search for natural remedies to repair a chipped or cracked tooth at home. There are options that are safe, but ultimately, they're not going to truly correct the problem. You have to go see your dentist to get that real solution.
What symptoms may indicate a serious issue with a chipped or cracked tooth?
The symptoms that may indicate a serious issue with a chipped or cracked tooth, first of all, would be sensitivity. Does that tooth just light up when you're having a glass of ice water? It could also be more sensitive to chewing forces. It's very common that when you bite down, things feel fine, but the second you open your teeth back up, now you're getting that zing of pain. Really, we're looking for sensitivity. Does it hurt when you're brushing around that area? Any of these signs or symptoms mean you should definitely be calling your dentist ASAP.
Is it possible to have a tooth cracked in half with no pain?
It is possible to have a tooth cracked in half with no pain. It's rare, but it generally happens when that crack has moved very slowly. The nerve inside that tooth that gives it all of that living structure has actually slowly died off. This tooth in general doesn't have sensitivity.
Again, most of the time, we do see sensitivity before that. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen. And that's one of the reasons why we say get to your dentist as soon as you notice any kind of fracture.
How do dentists treat more severe fractures on broken teeth?
Dentists treat more severe fractures on broken teeth through root canals because that allows us to get all of the living structure out of that tooth, so we don't have to worry about sensitivity down the road, and we can really put a solid restoration, which is usually a crown, on top of that.
If that fracture has extended into the root of the tooth, there's just no way that we can get that isolated to get a successful restoration. That would be an instance where your dentist would say it's time to remove this tooth. Let's talk about options to replace it once it's gone.
Are temporary tooth repair kits a good solution for a chipped or broken tooth?
Temporary solutions like tooth repair kits are great in the interim if you are on vacation, if it's Saturday night at 2 in the morning, and you have that fracture occur. But every patient should understand this is a very temporary solution, meaning maybe a day, maybe a few hours, and you have to get to your dentist to get that permanent solution, so you're not causing more issues down the road like more pain, infection, or issues with other teeth that are getting overloaded. Great in the interim if you're in a pinch, but not your true solution.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Boulder Canyon Dental, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.