What Causes a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth can occur for many reasons, including:

• Biting hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
• Falls or sports injuries
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Accidents involving the mouth
• Weakened teeth from large fillings or decay
• Normal wear over time

Sometimes a chip occurs suddenly, while other times a tooth gradually weakens before finally breaking.

Signs and Symptoms

A chipped tooth may cause:

• A visible missing piece of the tooth
• A rough or sharp edge
• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
• Sensitivity to sweets
• Discomfort when biting
• Irritation to your tongue or cheek

Many chipped teeth are painless, especially when only the outer enamel is involved.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should schedule an examination if:

• A piece of your tooth has chipped off.
• The tooth is sensitive or painful.
• The chip has created a sharp edge.
• The tooth is affecting your smile.
• The tooth feels weak or continues to chip.

Even small chips should be evaluated to determine whether treatment is recommended.

How Is a Chipped Tooth Diagnosed?

During your examination, Dr. Omeltschenko will determine:

• The size of the chip
• Whether only enamel is involved
• Whether the dentin or nerve has been exposed
• The overall strength of the remaining tooth
• Your bite and chewing forces
• Whether additional cracks are present

Digital X-rays and clinical photographs may also be used to evaluate the tooth and determine the most appropriate treatment.

What Happens If a Chipped Tooth Is Left Untreated?

Some small chips require little or no treatment, while others can become larger over time.

Depending on the severity of the damage, delaying treatment may lead to:

• Increasing sensitivity
• Additional tooth fracture
• Tooth decay
• Nerve inflammation
• Cosmetic concerns
• More extensive restorative treatment

Early evaluation helps determine whether simple treatment can prevent more significant problems later.

Possible Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and location of the chip.

Possible treatment options include:

• Tooth-Colored Bonding – Small chips can often be repaired using composite resin that closely matches the natural color of your tooth.

• Tooth-Colored Filling – If decay is present or additional tooth structure has been lost, a filling may be recommended.

• Same-Day Crown – Larger chips or teeth weakened by previous restorations may require a crown to restore strength and protect against future fractures.

• Root Canal Therapy – If the injury exposes or permanently damages the tooth’s nerve, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth.

Our goal is always to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing a restoration that looks natural and functions comfortably.