Most people don’t really think about the difference between a chipped tooth and a cracked tooth in Richmond unless they actually chip or crack their teeth. Although both are common dental accidents, they’re not exactly alike.

What is a Chipped Tooth?

Unless a chip is big enough to expose the nerves that are located in the inner layer of a tooth, you may not experience much pain with it. In most cases, a chipped tooth occurs in the front teeth, and it often goes unnoticed until people run their tongue over the area and notice its roughness. Moreover, a chipped tooth usually starts on the end of the tooth or on the outside before it works its way to the inside.

If you chipped one of your teeth, be sure to book an appointment with your dentist. It only takes a single dental visit to treat a chipped tooth. The way dentists treat a chipped tooth depends on how large of a chip it is. For small chips, dentists usually smooth over the chip before they polish the tooth.

However, if the chip is larger, your dentist may recommend using a tooth-colored filling or a crown to restore your smile. For really large chips, a root canal procedure may be necessary before the dentist places a dental crown.

What is a Cracked Tooth?

In most cases, a cracked tooth usually appears where the majority of the chewing happens – in the back of the patient’s mouth. Furthermore, since cracks may vary in terms of degrees, all of them can be diagnosed as “Cracked Tooth Syndrome.”

Compared to a chipped tooth, a cracked tooth requires more invasive treatment. Furthermore, your dentist may highly recommend a root canal if a crack happens to extend beyond the tooth’s surface.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth in Richmond?

At Commonwealth Endodontics, we’ll go above and beyond to provide you with high-quality dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.