How Can You Fix a Chipped Tooth from Grinding?

Have you ever crunched down and suddenly felt a sharp edge on your tooth? That’s a chipped tooth.

Midnight tooth grinding isn’t just noisy. It wrecks your smile with a chipped tooth. One moment it’s fine, the next, you’re googling “chipped tooth repair near me.”

Grinding, or bruxism has the ability to silently destroy teeth. It causes cracks and chipped teeth overnight. If you ignore a chipped tooth, that delay could cost more than just discomfort.

Even small chips ruin quickly. Only a dentist is aware of just how deep it goes.

A chipped tooth may seem harmless. However, it can allow decay or infection to enter.

Causes of Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, typically results from stress and anxiety. When your body is tense, your teeth often take the brunt of the impact. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also lead to unconscious grinding at night.

A crooked bite or uneven teeth can put extra pressure on some teeth and exacerbate the wear. Lifestyle factors are involved as well. It is to be mentioned that too much caffeine or alcohol increases grinding risks.

All these factors, over time, can quietly result in a chipped tooth. It is best to address the cause early to prevent long-term damage to your teeth. It will also reduce the need for frequent dental visits.

How Does Tooth Grinding Destroy Your Teeth?

Grinding causes repeated pressure on teeth and leads to microfractures in enamel. The small cracks weaken the tooth’s structure and make it susceptible to chipping. As enamel is ground away, teeth become increasingly sensitive to pressure and temperature.

Repeated grinding can eventually result in deeper cracks or fractures. They can result in infection. A weakened tooth can easily break off while eating, even soft foods.

Over time, a grinding that isn’t treated can create a chipped tooth and can also alter your bite. The damage is usually irreversible unless a professional dentist Olds intervenes.

Signs That You Chipped Your Tooth While Grinding

Developing a chipped tooth will typically begin with an unusual feeling against your tongue. Sudden edginess or roughness will be your first indication. Pain when you are chewing will quickly follow, as usual sensitivity to extremely hot or cold food arises.

A noticeable missing or cracked chunk of your tooth is not a surprise. At times, the chip is minor but still leads to pain. The earlier a dentist checks your chipped tooth, the better. Putting it off usually results in larger and more costly issues.

How to Repair a Chipped Tooth

1. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is perfect for minor chips. The dentist puts a tooth-colored resin onto replace the lost piece. It’s fast, painless, and usually done in one visit. Bonding significantly merges with your tooth naturally and returns function.

2. Veneers

For a chipped front tooth, veneers remarkably provide a permanent cosmetic solution. A thin porcelain shell covers the damage and enhances the appearance of the tooth. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and appear precisely like natural enamel.

3. Crowns

A crown is usually needed when the chipped tooth is big or fragile. It covers the tooth completely and prevents further damage. Crowns are constructed from strong materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, and are tailored to fit precisely.

Root Canal (if necessary)

In extreme situations, a chipped tooth can expose the pulp within. If it becomes infected, a root canal is required. The dentist evacuates the infected tissue, caps the tooth, and usually installs a crown to complete the procedure. It may sound aggressive. However, it preserves the tooth.

A chipped tooth can go from bothersome to excruciating in a hurry. Early intervention means less harm, less expense. Don’t brush it off. Your smile is at risk with timely treatment.

Minor or major, any chipped tooth needs a professional examination. Our dentists will advise the optimal repair for your case. Restore confidence in your smile. Book that appointment today.