Chipped teeth are common and seemingly minor dental injuries, but neglecting to have them addressed by a dentist can lead to major complications for your dental health. A chip can be caused by injuries such as those due to falling or teeth grinding. Even though a minor chip can be entirely painless, chipped teeth do not heal on their own and require the attention of a dentist. Here’s why you should see a dentist as soon as possible if one of your teeth is ever chipped.
What Should I Do if I Chip a Tooth?
If your tooth is ever chipped, the first thing you should do is assess the severity of the injury and then rinse your mouth. If your tooth has lost a large piece of structure or if bleeding results, you should see your dentist immediately. If you can find the chip, bring it with you to the dental office, as your dentist may be able to reattach it to your tooth. If your tooth is only minimally chipped, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers while avoiding sugar until your next dental appointment.
How Can a Chipped Tooth Be Treated?
A chipped tooth always requires treatment. Minor chips can probably wait until the next dentist’s appointment and severe chips need immediate dental attention. In many cases, minor chips can be treated with a quick dental bonding procedure. Severe chips, on the other hand, may require more extensive dental bonding, a root canal, a veneer, or a dental crown. In the most severe cases, a chipped tooth may require extraction and replacement with a dental implant.
What Is Recovery Like After Being Treated for a Chipped Tooth?
Your dentist will provide clear aftercare instructions for whatever treatment your chipped tooth requires. These typically involve dietary restrictions, dental hygiene tips, or using a mouthguard. While dental bonding probably won’t involve any sort of recovery at all, other treatments like crowns and veneers may involve a few days of discomfort or follow-up visits to finish the procedure or monitor its results. It is crucial that you adhere to the recovery instructions your dentist provides to avoid complications such as infections or failed restorations.
If you chip your tooth, the problem won’t resolve itself. It is necessary to see a dentist for repairs to prevent infections and further damage to the tooth. Your dentist is well-equipped to restore your teeth to their original beauty and have you back to smiling in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Ricke earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee and has since pursued continuing education courses through the Spear Institute, McCracken Implant Education, Dawson Academy, and the Inspired Hygiene Program. He actively serves as a member of the American Dental Association. His office in Raleigh, NC offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on treatments for chipped teeth, contact the office online or dial (919) 781-8610.