I Chipped My Tooth What Are My Options?

A chipped tooth is a common injury that can be sustained from activities as simple as eating, to activities as rigorous as playing contact sports. The affected tooth may produce pain if exposed to temperature changes, or the movement of air across the tooth surface. Treatment of the injury varies depending on the symptoms and the tooth's condition. If possible, recover the broken tooth fragments and store them safely; this can help the dentist during repair.

Class I Fracture

• In this least severe level of injury, only the enamel -- the hard, outer layer of the tooth -- is broken or chipped. It's uncommon to experience discomfort with a Class I fracture, as the trauma to the tooth is mainly cosmetic. However, in rare cases, the energy from a traumatic injury is transferred into the nerve and blood vessels inside and around the tooth, causing inflammation and potential infection. Your dentist should examine the tooth; he may elect to smooth any sharp edges with a polishing instrument, or even bond them with a filling material called composite resin, after any weakened and unsupported tooth enamel is removed.

Class II Fracture

• A Class II fracture is a fracture through the enamel and into the dentin, the next layer of the tooth. This injury will likely cause temperature sensitivity, especially to cold, because stimuli is directly transferred to the pores of the exposed dentin. You may elect to take over-the-counter medication for pain relief, depending on your pain tolerance and health condition, but consult with your dentist as soon as possible. Often, the dentist will bond the tooth by first roughening the unsupported structure with a weak acid, then applying a smooth plastic resin.

Class III Fracture

• This fracture exposes the sensitive pulp of the tooth, which is pink in color and involves the nerve and blood vessels. Due to the severity of this injury, bleeding will often occur from the pulp. Because the interior of the tooth is now prone to bacterial infection and abscess, a Class III injury is considered a dental emergency that requires immediate consultation. Typically, it will be necessary to remove the exposed nerve and blood vessels from the tooth and to seal the hollow interior against future bacterial invasion, which is achieved through a "root canal" treatment. Your dentist may also provide a topical medication and dressing for pain relief.

Considerations

• Because a chipped tooth is sensitive and vulnerable to re-injury, all dental cases should have followup with an appropriate specialist. Depending on the nature of the injury, your dentist will continue to monitor for signs of compromised tooth structure and infection. If your symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, consult your dentist for further evaluation.