Medical Insider – Dr. Rhodora T. Entero 

MEDICAL INSIDER-DR. RHODA ENTERO

What to Do When You Chipped a Tooth

(Part 3)

We continue our discussion of chipped tooth or
cracked tooth.
How do dentists repair chipped or cracked
tooth? The treatment for a broken tooth or
chipped tooth often depends on the extent of
damage. If only a small piece of enamel broke
off, the repair will be easy and quite simple.
However, when the tooth is badly damaged, the
repair may take a lengthy procedure and it may
be costly. There are several types of tooth breaks
and each break has its own dental repair
practice.
What are the types of tooth breaks?

• Minor cracks or craze lines – these are cracks

that affect only the enamel. This type of crack
rarely needs a treatment. Your dentist may lightly
polish the area to smooth out any rough or sharp
parts.

• Cracked tooth – this is a fracture that involves
  the whole tooth including the nerve. The pieces
  remain in place but the crack eventually spreads.
  This can be repaired through filling. It may also
  need a crown to prevent the crack from getting
  worse. If the nerve and other tissues are
  damaged, you may need root canal too.
• Chips like minor cracks – these do not always
  need a treatment. Your dentist may suggest
  repairing the damage through filling for your tooth
  to feel and look better. It may also be polished to
  smooth out the chipped area.
• Broken cusp – this is a break that affects the
  chewing surface of the teeth (called cusp). This
  does not affect the pulp (nerve and other live
  tissues) and does not cause pain. This can be
  repaired by restoring the tooth’s shape. Crown
  may be required, too.
• Serious breaks – these are those that go deep
  enough to damage the nerve. You will feel tooth

pain and sensitivity. This is a type of break when
your tooth bleeds after the accident. Your dentist
will have you treated with root canal and a crown.
(To be continued)