A chipped tooth is your gateway to several dental health issues and complexities. If left untreated, it might result in severe dental complications such as decay, infections, and even tooth loss.
It happens when a very tiny portion of your enamel, or the outer hard layer of your tooth surface, breaks off. Usually, you will experience this after biting hard food. The minor chips go unnoticed as they may not result in pain or cosmetic issues. Larger chips can trigger tooth sensitivity, cosmetic concerns, and pain.
There are quite a number of treatment options available, ranging from dental bonding to crowns and veneers. Prevention is always better than a cure! You should focus more on preventing it by avoiding hard foods, wearing mouth guards during activities or sports, and adhering to a good oral routine.
Why Should You Be Alert About Your Chipped Tooth?
A sound understanding of chipped teeth is crucial for:
- Infection Potential:
- A chipped tooth exposes the underlying sensitive pulp of your tooth. This exposure makes it more prone to bacterial attack, resulting in plaque buildup and subsequently causing an infection.
- You may frequently experience gum inflammation, painful toothaches, and even abscesses.
- Increased Decay Risks:
- The rough edges of your teeth are now a trapping spot for plaque and food, multiplying your chances of causing infection.
- When left untreated, decay can further result in damage and increase your efforts to pay attention to fixing chipped teeth.
- Tooth Sensitivity and Pain:
- Your chipped tooth might also expose your underlying nerves. This exposure may make your nerves sensitive to hot and cold temperatures or even painful after chewing.
- This sensitivity may soon result in uncomfortable situations that disturb your eating and speaking abilities.
- Cosmetic Concerns:
- If you have a chipped front tooth, your smile may be impacted, decreasing your self-confidence.
- In such scenarios, you need a prompt resolution to restore the appearance of your tooth and prevent further cosmetic issues.
- Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Before moving on to chipped tooth repair, you should be aware of its underlying causes:
Biting Harder Objects
Chewing hard candies, ice, or other complex substances might easily fracture the enamel of your teeth.
Injury
In contact sports, falls and accidents will likely chip or crack your tooth.
Grinding or Bruxism
You might know that most children grind their teeth while falling asleep. Adults do it, too! In such scenarios, your tooth enamel may weaken, resulting in its chipping.
Cavities
Tooth decay might weaken the structure of your tooth, making it more vulnerable to chips and cracks.
How to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Sometimes, you need to talk to your dentist about your oral health. Discuss what oral hygiene and health options are available for you. Some of them are listed below:
- Dental Bonding
A tooth-colored composite resin is available to rectify minor chips. This resin is bonded to the damaged area of your tooth, filling in the gap to restore it to normal.
- Crowns
If your tooth chip is substantial, resulting in significant weakening of its structure, you will need a crown covering the entire structure of your tooth. This crown ensures your underlying tooth is protected and supported well.
- Veneers
Custom-made porcelain shells are ideal for correcting your front chipped tooth.
- Filling
Filling it with a suitable material is ideal for repairing the damage if it’s just a small piece.
- Root Canal
When your nerve or pulp is exposed, you need a root canal to remove the infectious tissue and preserve your natural tooth.
Is It Time to See Your Dentist?
Scheduling a visit to your dentist should be done as soon as you notice your tooth is chipped. While a slight chip may not be a major concern, your dentist is the only person to guide you to the next steps. Here are some questions you can ask your dentist:
- What is the severity of my condition?
- Do I need to undergo treatment to correct my chipped tooth?
- What different types of treatment selections do I have?
- How long and frequently do I need to visit your clinic?
- How should I care for my teeth right from the beginning?
What to Do with a Chipped Tooth?
Follow some quick tips below for preventing yourself from experiencing a chipped tooth:
- Avoid Consuming Foods that are Hard to Bite
Restricting yourself from consuming too many hard candies, ice, and other complex substances is better. These substances are the preliminary causes of chipped teeth.
- Use a Mouth guard
Always put on a mouthguard while indulging yourself in sports or other activities.
- Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
To maintain healthy oral hygiene, follow the oral routine of regular brushing, flossing, and frequent dental checkups.
- Being Mindful of Habits
Avoid opening packages with your teeth. This practice can put tremendous stress on its enamel.
Can a Chipped Tooth Grow Back?
No, a chipped tooth cannot grow back. Unlike bones, tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate. Once a part of the enamel is chipped off, the body can’t replace it. That’s why even small chips should be evaluated by a dentist. Depending on the size and location, dental bonding, veneers, or crowns may be recommended to restore appearance and function.
What If You Ignore a Chipped Tooth?
Ignoring a chipped tooth could invite severe consequences, such as increased tooth sensitivity, a decayed tooth, infection, and even potential tooth loss.
Here is a detailed explanation of the same:
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Even the smallest chipped portion of your tooth is sufficient to expose the underlying dentin. This is how your tooth turns sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet stuff.
- Tooth Decay: Your exposed dentin becomes more susceptible to frequent decay. In such scenarios, the chipped edges may trap food particles, making it difficult for you to clean.
- Infection: If your chip exposes the underlying pulp or soft tissue, bacteria can enter the available space, resulting in infection.
- Further Damage: Your weakened tooth structure may make it more susceptible to breaking, especially if your chip is large or the tooth is under continued stress.
Takeaway
Managing your chipped tooth requires immediate care. Though its initial stage may not be alarming, you must redirect your attention to your chipped tooth repair. You can start by cleaning it with warm water and applying a cold compress if you are dealing with swelling. You can cover up its sharp edges using sugar-free gum or dental wax. Ultimately, get in touch with your dentist for the best management regime for your chipped tooth.
Spring Creek Dental is your one-stop solution for all types of dentistry services. If you are looking for a dentists hudson wi or looking for “top dentist near me”, contact us right away!
To book an appointment, go to springcreekdental.net.
Our address is 422 2nd Street, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016.
