My tooth chipped by my gumline, is this serious?

Question

I had a little plaque build up around the area. Today I felt like something was in my tooth so I was messing with it, trying to get it out. Then a piece of hard substance came out. I immediately brushed my teeth. Now my top right lateral incisor looks as if it has a little hole in it. Please help me. I am going to try to go to the dentist on Monday but I need some information about what is going on NOW!!! Thanks

Answer 1

Most likely what has happened is a piece of plaque has come loose and it just looks like a hole. You won't know for sure until you see a dentist - but it is very hard to chip a tooth. I have only seen it happen in relation to a hard object coming in contact with the tooth - so if that didn't happen, it is likely just a clump of plaque.

Peace!

Answer 2

Sounds like an "abfraction." This is a cavity that is on the front of a tooth right near the gumline. They can be caused from grinding, excessively rough brushing, and/or plaque sitting too long and allowing the area to decay. If this is what it is then a simple filling should fix you right up. Of course you may have other problems that need something different. Could also be recession of the gums caused by calculus (hardened plaque) build-up. When you chipped off the calculus you revealed a root surface area. Which means a good cleaning and perhaps a filling at best. Good luck either way.

Answer 3

I chipped a front tooth when I was 2 years old and my mum still talks about it.. and how devastated she was! They took me to the dentist, but as it wasn't causing me any pain the dentist wouldn't do anything. I know it's upsetting, but it will do more harm than good to cap it if it isn't hurting her - an 11 month old is not going to lie still with her mouth open for that!!!

Answer 4

Worst case scenario is that you will need a crown and maybe a root canal.