A chipped tooth can happen at any time. Whether you unintentionally bite down too hard on something or you have another type of accident, it can come as a shock when a small piece of your smile breaks off! Still, you might not be in a hurry to seek professional treatment. You could even reason that there is no need to see your dentist because you are not in pain, and the tooth will heal on its own. Well… sadly, that is not true. Unfortunately, teeth cannot heal themselves. This blog post discusses why you should seek professional dental treatment as soon as you are able.
Without Treatment, the Problem Could Worsen
Even if a chipped tooth does not hurt, you should still see your dentist. Without prompt treatment, you might face some problems, including:
- Irritation. Your tooth’s jagged edges might irritate nearby soft tissues, leading to sore spots on your tongue or cheeks.
- Worsening damage. A misshapen tooth may hit other teeth at odd angles and be more likely to suffer further breakage.
- Embarrassment. If your chipped tooth is close to the front of your mouth, its uneven appearance may cause embarrassment.
- Infection. If a chip is severe enough, bacteria may be able to invade your teeth’s sensitive inner layers, leading to severe pain and the need for a tooth extraction.
How Can a Dentist Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Exactly how your dentist addresses your chipped tooth will depend on the details of the situation. In many instances, a chip can be repaired with a tooth-colored composite resin. It can reshape the tooth, restoring its appearance and protecting your soft tissues from the tooth’s jagged edges. Alternatively, you might opt for a veneer, which is more durable than composite resin and can last for 15 – 20 years or longer.
If the damage to your tooth is more severe, you might need a crown to completely cover it. In some cases, root canal therapy is also required. Rarely, it is even necessary to remove a chipped tooth altogether. Afterward, you may be a candidate for a bridge or dental implant to fill in the gap in your smile.
A chipped tooth is not an urgent dental emergency, but you should seek treatment as soon as you reasonably can!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group features an expansive team of general dentists and specialists, all of whom possess great skill and extensive knowledge. They want to help patients enjoy healthy smiles! We welcome emergency cases and are often able to provide urgent care on a same-day basis. If you are concerned about a chipped tooth or other oral health conditions, contact our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.