Chipping your tooth may not seem like a dental emergency, especially if it’s just a minor chip. But unfortunately, your teeth don’t self-repair, so any damage they incur must be repaired by a dentist. But what if it doesn’t hurt? Does it still need to be fixed, and if so, how urgently? Here’s everything you need to know about chipped teeth, and what to do if you have one!
The Dangers of Chipped Teeth
Depending on the severity of your chipped tooth, it can cause a lot of problems. If it’s a minor chip on the edge of a front tooth, it may only seem like a cosmetic issue, but if it’s at all sharp or jagged, you could easily cut your cheek or tongue on it. For larger chips, you could be exposing the inner layers to harmful bacteria that can eventually lead to infection, decay, and even extraction. Thus, all chipped teeth should be repaired as soon as possible.
What to Do if You Chip a Tooth
If you chip your tooth, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. If it is minor or does not pose any risk to your soft tissue, your dentist may schedule you to come in within a few days. For larger chips that are bleeding, painful, or very sharp, you should be seen as soon as possible.
How Do You Repair a Chipped Tooth?
There are several options for repairing a chipped tooth, though which method your dentist uses depends on the severity and location of the chip. Restoration options may include:
- Cosmetic Dental Bonding: This method utilizes the same material your dentist uses in metal-free fillings to repair the chip. It looks and feels just like your natural teeth and allows you to use your tooth as you would before it was damaged. Best of all, since it looks realistic, nobody will know it’s been repaired. This treatment can be done in under an hour and is generally the most affordable restoration option.
- Dental Crown: For larger chips or cracks, your dentist may opt to use a dental crown. CEREC Same Day Crowns can be made right in the office and can get your tooth looking and feeling great in one appointment.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your tooth to change the size, shape, and even color of your teeth. Patients can choose to get just one veneer to repair a damaged tooth, or they can opt to enhance their smile with the help of multiple. Veneers are typically the costliest option for tooth restoration.
In some cases, your chip may be too severe to fix, and your dentist could recommend extraction. If this occurs, he or she will discuss your options for prosthetics at your appointment. This could include dental implants, a bridge, or a partial or full denture.
Remember, unlike your bones, your teeth won’t heal themselves. Should you chip a tooth, you’ll need to have it repaired by a skilled dentist. Failure to treat this type of injury can leave it vulnerable to decay, infection, and an increased risk of cavities.
About Our Practice
At Costello & Dehart Dental Excellence, we understand that accidents happen. If you’re suffering from a chipped tooth, it is important to be seen as soon as possible to protect your tooth from further damage. That’s why we’re open every weekday as well as Saturdays. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t delay getting the care you need. Call us immediately at 847-259-1111, or visit our website.