Chipped and Broken teeth – Causes and Treatment

One of the most common causes of chipped teeth is “chipping of a tooth due to eating something hard”. However, it is rare for a healthy tooth to chip or crack due to food. Although it can happen due to a combination of factors, it is dangerous to neglect dental health and checkups because there is no pain or discomfort at the moment.
We recommend that you visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Causes of chipped teeth

There are four main reasons for chipped teeth:

Tooth decay: As tooth decay progresses, the tooth becomes hollow and the enamel and dentin on the surface of the tooth can chip due to its fragile durability.

Teeth grinding / clenching:

The force of grinding and clenching is estimated to be two to three times your body weight, and such a force can chip or break your teeth.

Trauma (Bumping into something, etc.): A fall or bump can chip or break a tooth.

Acid erosion: Acid in the mouth caused by acid in food and drink, gastric reflux, and other factors can cause the outer enamel of teeth to dissolve. The enamel, which keeps the tooth strong, becomes brittle as it dissolves and can chip under force.

Treatment options for chipped teeth

Small-size chips: Can be corrected with restorative materials such as composite resin.
They are not as strong as ceramic or metal, but may be covered by insurance. Self-funded treatment can be done with laminate veneers, which do not stain or wear away the surface.

Medium-size chips:

Depending on the condition of the chipped tooth, it may be treated with a filling or a crown.
Treatment may be covered by insurance or self-paid, as with porcelain.

Large-size chips: The treatment depends on whether or not the nerve of the tooth can be preserved. If the nerve can be preserved, the nerve is protected and the tooth is covered. If the nerve cannot be preserved, the root of the tooth is treated and then the entire tooth is covered with a cap.

Broken from the root (Severely fractured): If the tooth is damaged below the alveolar bone that supports the tooth, it is difficult to keep the tooth and it may need to be extracted completely.

After extraction, the patient can choose to replace the tooth with among others:
・Dentures
・Bridges
・Dental implants
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Preventive measures to avoid chipped teeth

Tooth decay: It is important to carefully remove plaque from the teeth using a combination of toothpaste, dental floss, and interdental brushes.
Fluoride toothpaste is also effective.

Tooth grinding: Teeth grinding is often done unconsciously during sleep, so teeth might need to have special protection. Mouthpieces or mouthpiece-like “night guards” that protect the teeth and lower jaw during sleep can be an effective countermeasure.
It is also important to reduce stress.

Acid erosion: It is important to avoid leaving highly acidic foods and drinks in the mouth for too long.
It is important to reduce the frequency of use and, if possible, avoid use before bedtime entirely. The use of fluoride toothpaste is also effective.

The Toranomon Hills Dental Medical Ryu Clinic offers free consultations for a variety of dental problems.
You can be sure that we will always make suggestions that are appropriate for your situation and that we will always work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Please do not give up and consult with us first.