Unusual: Maxillary Incisor Chipped at Gumline...Possible Causes and Consequences

[Brause]

I have seen a lot of fractures, but not such a shallow, sub-horizontal chip (upper middle left incisor). How could this have happened and what are the likely consequences? Since it is a the gumline, treatment is probably difficult...and enamel does not replenish itself.

 

[Dr M]

Could be a pre-existing enamel malformation that was only recently exposed due to recession? Does not exactly look like a chip. If the gum tissue allows, clinical crown lengthening could be attempted, and the defect restored thereafter.

 

[Brause]

Could be a pre-existing enamel malformation that was only recently exposed due to recession? Does not exactly look like a chip. If the gum tissue allows, clinical crown lengthening could be attempted, and the defect restored thereafter.

If true, then it is clinically irrelevant. Hurrah!

 

[Brause]

If true, then it is clinically irrelevant. Hurrah!