Treating A Tooth With Sharp Edges And Chips

Even a small amount of damage to a tooth can lead to bigger problems in future….

Generally speaking, we probably don’t give too much thought as to how our teeth feel as long as they aren’t causing us any problems such as a toothache. One small defect that can make them feel really noticeable though is where a tiny fragment chips off the tooth and leaves a sharp edge. While the tooth itself might not be causing any discomfort, it may well start to cause discomfort in the soft tissues of the mouth. This might be the tongue, especially if we ‘poke’ at the tooth, but also the lips and cheeks depending on where the chipped tooth is located.

In addition to any discomfort that any cuts or irritation caused by contact with the sharp edge might cause, it can also lead to infections of the soft tissue such as ulcers etc. This is just one of the reasons why you should see one of our Ipswich dentists if this happens to you. It may not only be the soft tissues that are suffering, but the actual tooth may be a cause for concern as well.

Potential problems from a chipped tooth

Without being examined by a dentist, it is impossible to say if this is just a ‘cosmetic’ chip or if there is damage that may lead to worse dental problems in future. As with all issues like this, it is always best to have things checked out at the Foxhall Dental Practice in Ipswich as soon as you notice anything, in order to nip any problems in the bud, rather than allowing them to worsen.

The following are some of the problems that could arise if a chipped tooth is not examined and treated where needed.

Tooth sensitivity

The enamel on our teeth helps to prevent too much sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks. Mostly, we don’t even think about this. Compromised tooth enamel can put us at a greater risk of this uncomfortable problem however.

Decay risk

If the chip has broken away to expose even a tiny section of the dentin beneath the enamel, it is likely that bacteria will find its way gradually into the inner part of the tooth. Tooth decay and eventually, root canal infections, may follow. You can maximise the chances of avoiding this by getting it checked straight away.

Problems eating and speaking

If a chipped tooth is causing us discomfort, we are likely to avoid eating some foods and possibly also change the way that we speak in order to avoid uncomfortable contact between, for example, the chipped tooth and our tongue. This can usually be easily rectified by treating the tooth in question.

How then, might a dentist treat a tooth that is damaged in this way? The solution will depend on the nature of the damage and specifically whether it is just superficial and is causing soft tissue discomfort or whether the inner tooth is exposed.

Contouring

If the damage is purely cosmetic, it might be possible for the dentist to smooth the sharp edges using special tools. This is a minor procedure and may not even require a local anaesthetic to carry it out.

Composite bonding

An alternative to the above, and one that might be used to offer a little more protection, is the use of cosmetic bonding to smooth and shape the tooth to remove the sharp edges.  This uses a composite material that can be made in the shade of your natural tooth to render the restoration almost invisible.

Dental crown

For more significant damage and especially where the dentin is exposed, a dental crown may be the most effective way to remedy this problem. As with the above, crowns can be produced to match the style and colour of your own natural teeth.

Porcelain veneer

An alternative to a crown, depending on the situation, we may be to replace the damaged part of the tooth using a porcelain dental veneer. Veneers can be made to match the colour of the affected tooth but can also be used as a part of a smile makeover to allow you to also improve the appearance of your teeth when you smile.

As previously stated, you should never neglect a dental problem, however minor you might feel it is. Even the smallest chip from a tooth can weaken the structure and may lead to further damage a little later on. Early treatment is the best response to issues like this and we are here to help you at our Ipswich dentist. If you would like to contact us about an oral care issue, no matter how small you think it might be, you can do so by calling the Foxhall Dental Practice today on 01473 258396.