Your teeth can be chipped when they crunch on something hard such as candy or ice. Also, chipped teeth can happen because of sports injuries and facial trauma. Although they may seem harmless, they may result in complications when not addressed right away. The following are reasons you must have your general dentist address your chipped teeth.
A Chipped Tooth Can Harm the Soft Tissue of Your Mouth
Depending on the location of the tooth and the seriousness of the chip, a chipped tooth can damage the soft tissue of the mouth. Chips with ragged edges may irritate or lacerate the tongue, gums, and cheeks, causing you pain. Also, the wound caused by the laceration can become infected or turn into ulcers.
It is Vulnerable to Cavities
Chipped teeth are prone to enamel reason, possibly causing cavities and tooth decay. When not treated promptly, minor chips can be fixed easily with composite resin bonding. If your tooth decay has reached the pulp chamber and caused a soft tissue infection, root canal therapy may be the right solution.
It May Break
Chips can result in tooth fractures and crazing, weakening the structure of the tooth and increasing pressure sensitivity, which can make biting and chewing painful. Also, it can mean that your tooth may break.
It Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity
When your teeth are chipped, the dentin underneath the tooth enamel becomes exposed. Dentin has different microscopic tubules leading to the pulp chamber, which is home to nerve endings and blood vessels.
Eating and drinking hot, sugary, and cold substances while you have a chipped tooth can increase sensitivity and result in zingers. Zingers are intense pain sensation that tends to come and go.
Treating a Chipped Tooth
The following are treatment options for restoring a chipped tooth. The right treatment for you depends on the chip’s location and size.
- Composite bonding. This dental treatment makes use of a tooth-colored acrylic resin designed to repair the chips. The composite is shaped and polished to ensure it blends with your remaining teeth.
- Tooth fillings. If a chip has decayed your tooth, your dentist may recommend having a filling. Your dentist will clean the cavity first and use a composite resin for filling it.
- Dental veneers. They are ideal for small chips that do not expose the dentin. They are often chosen for their ability to improve a smile.
- Dental crowns. These are commended for chips or decay that has weakened your tooth. They are fit over a tooth to restore its structure and strength.
