Broken Or Worn Front Teeth Edges?

Can damaged teeth be left alone, or is restoration at your Wickford dentist recommended?

In previous blogs, we have discussed small chips of the teeth, especially those at the front, or indeed, more significant damage where a tooth has broken quite badly. There is an ‘in between’ issue that can sometimes arise though, perhaps more commonly in those with an incorrect bite and we will look at that in today’s blog and whether the issue can be left, or whether treatment is required for it.

This problem is often caused when the very edge of a front tooth (also known as an ‘incisal edge’) has gradually become thinner and weaker. This can happen because of the way the upper and lower teeth meet when we bite. Eventually, the weakened section can snap away, leaving most of the tooth still apparently intact. At first glance, this may not seem particularly serious. After all, if 80-90% or more of the tooth is still there, surely it can simply be left alone, but is this advisable?

How does the edge become weakened?

The edges of the front teeth, known as the incisal edges, are naturally quite thin to enable a cutting edge when we eat. They are designed to meet in a particular way when we bite and chew. If the bite is not quite right, however, one or more teeth may receive more pressure than they should. This can happen for a number of reasons. The position of the teeth, changes caused by wear or previous dental treatment can all alter the way that they come together.

Over time, repeated pressure and wearing can cause the edge of a tooth to become thinner and gradually more fragile. This might happen so gradually that you don’t even notice it. You might simply become aware that one tooth looks slightly shorter than the other, or that the edge has become more transparent. Eventually though, and often without warning, the weakened section can break away.

Does this really matter?

The amount of tooth that remains is certainly important, but it is not the only consideration. A tooth with most of its structure intact can still have a weakened area. If the remaining edge is now particularly thin, it may be vulnerable to further breakage. There is also the question of what caused the original problem. If an uneven bite contributed to the tooth becoming thin in the first place, simply repairing the missing section may leave the tooth exposed to the same forces as before and the problem may be repeated.

This is why we will normally want to look at how your teeth meet at the Cygnet Dental Practice, rather than concentrating solely on the broken edge.

Is restoration always needed?

If your tooth is otherwise healthy, the remaining structure is strong and the break has not created a problem with your bite, your dentist may decide that no restoration is necessary. Where an edge is rough or sharp and may cause discomfort, the edges may need to be smoothed a little though. There is nothing wrong with accepting a minor change in appearance if it does not affect the health or function of the tooth. However, where the edge has become thin and vulnerable, leaving it completely untreated may not always be the best option. An examination will help to decide this.

There is no pain

A broken tooth does not necessarily hurt, especially If the damage has only involved the outer part of the tooth and has not reached the sensitive inner tissues, you may notice nothing other than the change in shape. This can make it tempting to ignore it. It is still important though, to have the tooth checked. A dentist can look for signs of cracking, assess how much healthy tooth remains and also see how the tooth meets the opposing teeth. A tooth that feels perfectly comfortable can still be at risk of further damage.

Rebuilding the affected tooth

For a front tooth, where a reasonable amount of healthy structure remains, composite bonding may be an appropriate way of rebuilding the missing edge. A tooth-coloured composite material can be applied to the damaged area and carefully shaped to recreate the natural appearance of the tooth. One advantage of this approach is that it can often be carried out without removing much, if any, healthy tooth structure. This can be successful but there is one caveat in doing this. Where a bite is still incorrect, this may not last long due to the forces applied to the tooth restoration. An examination by our Wickford dentist should be able to determine if this is the most suitable approach.

Excessive thinning

If the remaining edge of the tooth, following the break, is extremely thin, there may be a risk that further restoration will not be sufficiently strong on its own. The dentist will need to consider the overall condition of the tooth rather than simply filling in the missing section.

A veneer or dental crown may occasionally be considered, although preserving as much healthy natural tooth as possible is generally desirable. The most appropriate treatment will depend on how much healthy tooth remains and how it is being used during biting.

There are a number of things that need to be considered before deciding whether to simply leave the break as it is (or perhaps with minor treatment such as smoothing) or to restore the tooth using bonding, veneers or crowns. One thing you should not do though, is just leave it without a dentist seeing it so that any restorations that might be needed can be done before any further damage occurs.

If you have broken, or chipped a tooth in any way, we strongly recommend that you contact the Cygnet Dental Practice to have the tooth checked out. You can do this by calling our Wickford Dental Practice on 01268 733078.