No one wants a broken tooth or a chipped tooth. That said, they happen. Are they one in the same? Not really. There are some differences.
Chipped Tooth vs Broken Tooth
When can you call it a chipped tooth? When a part of the tooth breaks off that’s made mostly of or entirely of enamel (the white outer layer of the tooth), then it’s a chip. What about a cracked tooth? How do you know if you’ve got that problem? With a cracked tooth, the damage goes beyond the enamel into the dentin or the pulp. The dentin is considered a support layer while the pulp is the interior of a tooth. The cracked part of the tooth may or may not break off.
Level of Concern
Which one’s more serious? Well, a chipped tooth is mostly a cosmetic issue, while a cracked tooth is more serious. A cracked tooth is a health problem that could lead to more serious complications, so it needs immediate attention, ideally. People often experience pain or sensitivity if they have a cracked tooth.
Treatment
Treatment for chipped teeth usually involves cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers or dental bonding. Treatment for cracked teeth usually involves a dental crown which can help hold a tooth together, replace parts that broke off (or need to be removed) and provide a “protective cover” for the tooth. If the interior of the tooth is infected, root canal therapy may be needed to remove the interior of the tooth. In some cases a cracked tooth is so far gone that it needs to be replaced, and that’s usually with a dental implant, or perhaps a partial denture or bridge.
If one or more of your teeth has experienced some sort of trauma, or perhaps you clench/grind your teeth, and you’re not exactly sure whether you’re dealing with chips or cracks, then make an appointment at Genesee Dental by calling 585-343-1113.