Even though teeth are tough, they can still be chipped, which means that a small piece of tooth material can break off. A chipped tooth can be caused by:
- Falling and striking your tooth on a hard surface.
- Biting on a hard substance like ice or candy.
- Grinding your teeth.
- Tooth decay.
Do you have a chipped tooth? Find out the potential issues that it can cause, along with the solutions your dentist can have for you.
Can You Ignore a Chipped Tooth?
If a chipped tooth isn’t very noticeable, you might be tempted to just forget about it. But a chipped tooth can lead to more serious issues than cosmetic ones, including:
- A sharp edge that could injure your gums, tongue, or cheek.
- Discomfort or pain that can develop in the tooth later.
- Swelling in nearby glands.
- Bad breath.
- Tooth aches.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Damage to tooth roots that can lead to infection.
- Chips that keep getting larger and lead to more serious damage.
Because of these and other risks, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist after you chip a tooth, just as you would call a doctor if you thought you cracked a rib.
How Will Your Dentist Treat a Chipped Tooth?
Most small tooth chips don’t need major repairs. Your dentist may simply smooth the edges of the chip down so that your tooth looks normal and to prevent the edge from damaging your tongue or cheek. We could also add a bonding material or a veneer to the area to improve the tooth’s shape.
In a major chip, though, the pulp inside of the tooth may have been damaged. A root canal treatment may be needed to clean the pulp, and you may need a dental crown to cover and protect your tooth for the long-term.
Visit Dr. Rosenfeld for Excellent Chipped Tooth Care
If you have a chipped tooth, Dr. Rosenfeld and the whole team will keep you comfortable and make you feel welcome in our office. We can also help ensure you don’t have any cavities that could weaken your teeth and cause future chips. Make an appointment with Dr. Rosenfeld now to get your chipped tooth treated.