Will a Chipped Tooth Get Better on its Own?

Chipping your tooth may not seem like that big of a deal unless it’s a noticeable chip. In fact, it may not even hurt or look all that different. But even a minor chip should be evaluated by your dentist, as it can cause a variety of oral health problems if left untreated. Here’s why it’s so important to treat a chipped tooth, and a few ways your emergency dentist may be able to repair it.

The Dangers Chipped Teeth

Unfortunately, unlike bones, chipped teeth don’t heal on their own, and though it may seem like a purely cosmetic problem, they can be very dangerous. If the chip is big enough, it can leave your tooth vulnerable to infection or decay. Even small chips could have a sharp edge that cuts your tongue or cheek. Thus, if you chip your tooth, don’t wait too long to seek attention from your dentist, as what may seem insignificant now could get a lot worse without treatment.

Common Ways to Treat Chipped Teeth

How you treat a chipped tooth depends on the severity and location of the chip. For smaller chips that are on front facing teeth and only affect the enamel, dental bonding is a common treatment.  For this procedure, your dentist uses tooth-colored filling material to rebuild the tooth. It’s totally painless, and the results look completely natural. Best of all, the restoration is extremely durable, so you can still use your tooth as you would if it weren’t injured, as long as you’re careful. For very minor chips, your dentist may also be able to file them down without the need for any bonding at all.

For larger chips, you may need a more detailed restoration such as a dental crown. These are best for molars and allow your tooth to look, feel, and chew as it did before it broke.

Finally, for severe chips or damage, your dentist may need to extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge, denture, or dental implant. However, it is always best to try and preserve the natural tooth, so your dentist will only choose this option as a last resort.

Remember, while accidents can and do happen, it is important to have any tooth chips (no matter their size or location) evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.

About Dr. Moneyhun

When you’re in the midst of a dental emergency, who you trust to care for your smile makes a world of difference. Dr. John Moneyhun is passionate about making a positive impact on his patients every single day, whether he’s treating their smiles in person or helping them to enjoy all the rewards of excellent oral health when they’re on their own. This makes Dr. Moneyhun and Parkside Dental the perfect place to turn to when you need help with a chipped tooth!

If you’re suffering from a dental emergency, don’t delay your care and put your oral health at further risk. Contact Parkside Dental by calling us directly at 864-800-1691 for an urgent appointment.