Chipped teeth

Chipped teeth: causes

Chipped teeth recognize the main causative agent in accidental falls to the ground. Similarly, a tooth can be chipped by munching on crunchy and hard foods such as dried fruit, nougat, ice or whatever.

It is not uncommon to notice one or more chipped teeth in the smiles of children: outdoor games, such as swings, slides and chases, are in fact the most dangerous enemies for the structural safety of the tooth; however we know, children's teeth are fragile, therefore prone to breaking: sometimes, even a slight trauma to the mouth (such as gnawing the end of a pen ...) is enough to chip and damage a tooth. slightly larger, however, the danger-swings for the teeth is replaced by the danger-sport. In fact, some sports practices that involve a certain "violence" - such as rugby, boxing, kick-boxing and hockey - seriously jeopardize the aesthetics of the smile of those who practice them, as the chances of chipping or breaking a tooth are quite high.
Just like children, the elderly are also at a higher risk of chipping a tooth. During senescence, the teeth become more fragile, therefore subject to breakage. For this reason, older people's teeth can chip more easily by chewing on food that is crunchy or too hard.
Last but certainly not least, the impact produced by violent accidents in cars, motorcycles or bicycles can damage and chip even the healthiest teeth, regardless of the age of the victim.

Symptoms and consequences

In addition to ruining the harmony of the smile, a chipped tooth can be a source of embarrassment and shame in social relationships (especially if the damaged tooth - as often happens - is an incisor). Not to mention the pain and (possible) shock that can result from a trauma to the mouth. In many people, the vision (and awareness) of a chipped tooth in the mouth can cause a collapse in self-esteem.
Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry can remedy dental damage by perfectly correcting or masking the chipping: in this way, the injury suffered by the tooth is made almost invisible.
Clearly, when the chipped tooth is a milk tooth, it is not necessary to resort to a dental-aesthetic intervention because this will spontaneously fall out and be subsequently replaced by a permanent tooth.

What to do

The first precaution to do when chipping a tooth is to put ice on the outside of the mouth (in correspondence with the damage suffered). Cryotherapy (cold therapy) is in fact a useful remedy to reduce toothache and reduce swelling. If possible, wrap the ice in a soft cloth to avoid cold burns.
As soon as possible, it is recommended to contact your trusted dentist, to book a specialist visit as soon as possible to verify the extent of the damage suffered. We must not forget, in fact, that a deep chipping of the tooth increases the risk of infection, which can progressively lead to tooth loss.
If the pain is persistent, it is recommended to take pain relieving medications such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen.

Do not give acetylsalicylic acid to children under the age of 12: such an attitude can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome, liver dysfunction and brain alterations.

If the chipping of the tooth has given rise to a particularly sharp edge, it is advisable to cover the surface with a piece of paraffin or wax. If unavailable, sugar-free chewing gum can be applied temporarily to the chipped tooth to avoid cutting the tongue or the inside of the lip.

Dental intervention

Repairing a chipped tooth essentially depends on the severity of the injury and the type of tooth involved in the damage.
A tooth chipped only superficially can be fixed in a single session by the dentist, relatively inexpensive. Generally, when the tooth chipped on the surface is a baby tooth, it is not always necessary to intervene, as this is destined for the physiological fall and replacement. , if the chipping has caused considerable damage and the tooth is, for example, particularly pointed, it is possible to smooth and round its surface.
More serious damage, on the other hand, which also involves the root of the tooth, can require longer times and higher costs. An x-ray often helps define the severity of the trauma.
Let's see what are the possible dental interventions that can be performed to fix a chipped tooth:

1. Rounding of the chipping, indicated for superficial lesions of the tooth
2. Dental bond or tooth sealing (dental procedure called Bonding): to remedy chipped teeth, the technique Bonding involves the application of a special resin directly on the tooth. This substance, irradiated with ultraviolet light, adheres perfectly to the tooth and restores its natural structure.
3. Application of ceramic veneers near the chipped part of the tooth: a useful procedure for masking the damage and "rebuilding" the chipped tooth. The ceramic veneers visibly improve the aesthetics of the smile.
4. Root canal filling (filling) in case of chipping or breaking of the tooth
5. Application of a new crown (the tooth is encapsulated)
6. Deep damage reaching the pulp of the tooth requires more important dental treatment. To avoid extraction, the chipped and damaged tooth can be "saved" by devitalization: this is a procedure that involves the removal of the vital pulp of the tooth, and its subsequent replacement with dental amalgams. Lastly, the tooth that is chipped state can be covered with a capsule.