Life can sometimes throw a curveball your way – and one unexpected occurrence that might pop up is a dental injury, such as chipping a tooth when biting into something or sustaining an accidental blow to the head. A chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but ignoring the issue can lead to serious dental problems that threaten your smile’s very wellness. Here’s a closer look at a few of the reasons why teeth sometimes become chipped, along with why you shouldn’t wait to contact your dentist for assistance.
How Do Teeth Become Chipped?
There are several reasons why a tooth might become chipped:
- Biting into hard objects like ice cubes or hard candy, or even opening packaging with your teeth can put excessive pressure on your enamel, leading to chips.
- Falls, sports injuries, or car accidents are all forms of trauma that commonly lead to chipped or fractured teeth.
- Weakened enamel caused by acidic foods, beverages, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can be enough to cause chips.
- Chronically poor oral hygiene that leads to cavities and decay can weaken teeth, making them more likely to sustain injuries like chipping.
Can Chipped Teeth Heal on Their Own?
Sadly, chipped teeth cannot repair or heal themselves like many other parts of our bodies. Unlike bones, teeth cannot regenerate because they lack the cells required for repair. A chipped tooth exposes the dentin layer beneath the enamel, leaving the tooth more sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Without treatment, you may face these potential complications like an increased risk of cavities and decay, increased dental sensitivity, structural weakness, and the possibility of infection – which might even end in total tooth loss if left untreated for too long.
All instances of a chipped tooth require treatment, however, the urgency in which treatment is needed varies based on the cause and severity of the damage. For instance, a minor chip doesn’t normally need immediate attention, whereas severe chips are considered dental emergencies. In any case, don’t leave things up to chance if you suspect your tooth has been chipped, and contact your dentist at once. In the meantime, consider rinsing your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that is injured to prevent further damage.
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
The treatment options for a chipped tooth are dependent upon the severity of the injury; however, the most common option is cosmetic dental bonding, which involves applying a special composite resin directly to the tooth. The resin can be molded and shaded to fit over the crack and restore the tooth in terms of appearance and functionality. In other cases, veneers can be used, which are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to hide imperfections. When you attend your appointment, your dentist will quickly examine your tooth, address your dental pain if necessary, and walk you through your treatment options.
About the Practice
Our team here at Webster Lake Dental has proudly served the needs of patients in Webster and the surrounding communities for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, as well as emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you or a loved one is in need of emergency dental care, don’t hesitate to contact our practice today for assistance; we are here to help! Telephone: (508) 943-8111.