If your tooth falls out or breaks uncomfortably close to your gumline, that would probably strike you as a clear-cut dental emergency. But what if you only chipped your tooth? What if the crack is small and shallow? Do you have to visit your dentist if the dental damage doesn’t seem to be causing you any trouble?
In short: yes. Keep reading to find out why you should still treat your chipped tooth as soon as possible.
Teeth Don’t Heal
The various layers that make up your pearly whites aren’t living tissues in the same way that, say, your skin layers are. When you scrape your knees, your body can get to work “bandaging” the cut while your skin grows back. When you damage your tooth, what you’ve really done is lose a chunk of minerals.
While your body can repair damaged minerals to a certain extent, it can’t stimulate mineral growth. Basically, your chip is there to stay unless you patch it up with a restorative or cosmetic treatment.
You Could Damage Your Tooth Further
If a window cracks, what happens after you apply enough pressure? It breaks. As it turns out, chewing and sometimes even brushing generates plenty of strain on your teeth. Under normal circumstances your pearly whites are tough enough to handle it, but even a small chip or crack could make them vulnerable to further harm. It’s better to give your tooth the extra protection it needs than risk losing it.
Bacteria Could Slip Through the Cracks
Another way you could lose your tooth is through tooth decay, gum disease, or infection. These conditions are caused by bacteria build up in the mouth, which is why brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day is highly recommended.
Unfortunately, your toothbrush is going to have a hard time fitting into the nooks and crannies of a damaged tooth. If bacteria slip through the cracks, they could very well settle deep inside your pearly white and wreak havoc.
Call Your Dentist for Details
Many dental treatments can prevent these issues from happening. Dental crowns, for example, can protect seriously chipped teeth by functioning as a 360-degree shield. Dental bonding, on the other hand, can fill in minor damage with a tooth-colored composite resin that will keep harmful bacteria out.
To determine which treatment option is best for you and your tooth, call your dentist. Once you fill them in on your situation over-the-phone, they’ll be able to tell you how urgent your chip is, and which solutions might be most effective. Remember that prompt action is good for your overall oral health!
About the Dentist
Dr. Niki Jayswal is an experienced dentist with advanced training in a variety of restorative and cosmetic treatments. She’s also affiliated with a number of prestigious dental groups, including the American Dental Association. With these impressive qualifications and her compassionate approach to patient care, you can trust Dr. Jayswal with treating your chipped tooth and protecting your oral health! To contact her office, call 972-366-4452.