Developing a chipped tooth is stressful and traumatic. Knowing how to prevent dental injuries and how to handle them properly when they arise will take quite a bit of stress off your shoulders. Fortunately, chipped teeth can be repaired with root canal therapy and restorations.
If you find yourself with a chipped or cracked tooth, your dentist might refer you to an endodontist. An endodontist is a specialist who has advanced dental education and training to treat issues that affect internal tooth structure.
Following are four ways teeth become chipped that might surprise you.
Number 1: Untreated tooth decay
Tooth decay permanently weakens tooth structure. Since teeth are unable to repair themselves, untreated cavities will deepen and widen – leaving the soft structures under tooth enamel exposed to teeth-damaging bacteria and acids.
Weak teeth are more likely to develop chips and cracks. Keeping routine dental appointments and receiving recommended treatments can prevent dental injuries related to tooth decay.
Number 2: Chewing on inedible objects
Many folks chew on items like pen caps and ice cubes to manage stress and tension. Unfortunately, this habit can wear microscopic cracks in tooth enamel. This damage weakens teeth and increases the risks for dental injuries. Fighting the urge to chew on inedible objects can extend the life of your teeth.
Number 3: Bruxism
Bruxism is the term for the habit of clenching and/or grinding one’s teeth. Many people develop this habit as a response to stress. The unnecessary force and pressure thrust on teeth when a person bruxes damages precious dental structures and weakens them over time.
Breaking this habit is important for protecting your teeth and any existing prosthetics or restorations.
Number 4: Biting down on food with pits
Imagine that you ordered a delicious salad with olives. You bite down, experience discomfort, and find out that an olive pit just chipped your tooth. This stressful scenario could happen to anyone.
If you find that you have a chipped or broken tooth, contact your dentist immediately. After seeing you, your dentist will determine the appropriate course of action. It is important to receive recommended treatment such as root canal therapy as soon as possible.
If you’ve been referred to our practice, call us today to reserve an appointment with our endodontist.
