A chipped tooth may not seem like such a big deal when it comes to your oral health, but it can sometimes cause problems. While some people never have their chipped teeth repaired, dentists advise against this approach. There are some unwanted issues that may arise if you do not seek prompt dental care for a chipped tooth.

Common Causes for Chipped Teeth

There are multiple reasons a tooth might become chipped. A chip occurs when a small portion of the tooth is broken apart. The following are some of the reasons a person may find their tooth has become chipped. If a tooth has been chipped, individuals need to seek their Family Dentist right away. The following are some common reasons for chips to develop.

· Biting down on hard foods like candy or ice

· Teeth grinding during sleep

· Playing contact sports without using a protective mouthguard

· Blunt trauma caused by falls, car accidents, or assaults

4 Things That Can Happen If You Do Not Repair a Chipped Tooth

While you may think having a chipped tooth is simply an embarrassment, it is important to consider the complications that can arise if you do not have it repaired. The following are issues that may occur if a tooth is damaged without treatment.

1. A chipped tooth is susceptible to becoming infected and tooth infections can easily move into the head and neck, causing extensive health concerns. Having the chipped tooth repaired right away will cut down on the risks of developing an infection.

2. Chipped teeth are also more likely to become further damaged over time because they are weakened. A chipped tooth can become cracked during normal chewing because of the pressure that is placed on the damaged area.

3. A damaged tooth that has been left untreated could have pulp damage and this could cause the tooth to start to necrotize. As the tooth begins to die, it will darken and will eventually need to be extracted.

4. You may find your tooth is more sensitive to pressure and temperature changes which can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, the discomfort becomes more than a person can bear.

Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

If the chip is mostly superficial and no inner damage has been done, a simple filling or bonding material can be applied. These dental treatments help to fill in the damaged area and make the tooth stronger. By having the damage corrected, you will no longer feel embarrassed.

When pulp damage results from a chip in a tooth, further intervention will be needed. The dentist will need to perform a procedure called a root canal. A root canal involves removing the damaged pulp and filling the tooth with a substance called gutta-percha. This treatment protects the stability of the tooth and helps prevent further infections and pain.

Conclusion

If you have a chipped tooth, even without symptoms, it is important to see the dentist right away. A full examination and X-rays will allow the dentist to determine the degree of damage so the right treatments can be sought.

While it may seem like only minor damage has occurred, there can be underlying damage present. Having the tooth checked for signs of structural damage and infection is critical. All types of tooth damage can be repaired, especially if a person is seen by the dentist in time. If your tooth is chipped, call the dentist right away to schedule an appointment so you do not end up suffering the four complications listed above.