You might think that chipping a tooth is no big deal and opt not to visit the dentist about it. You’re wrong. It’s always a good idea to visit the dentist if you have a chipped tooth, regardless of how minor the chip is.
Here are five good reasons to visit your dentist if your tooth is chipped.
1. It May Affect the Way People See You
People may notice if a minor chip disrupts your smile’s symmetry or makes the dark region behind the tooth apparent. And once your smile seems different, this chip might seriously influence your ability to make a good first impression.
Dental bonding can swiftly fix tiny chips in teeth, yet we might suggest porcelain veneers in some circumstances. Your dentist can help you understand which is best for your case.
2. It Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity
The amount of insulation between your tooth’s delicate nerve and any hot or cold beverages you drink is reduced if you have a chipped tooth. In the region where your tooth was chipped, you can begin to experience sensitivity. You should see a dentist if your chipped tooth starts to feel sensitive. A more serious issue may also be indicated if the sensitivity doesn’t subside.
3. It May Cut the Tongue
After you chip a tooth, it may cause you to cut your tongue. It is because either the tongue may keep rubbing against the tooth’s sharp spot, or your bite is slightly wrong due to the chipped tooth.
4. It Can Cause Bite Issues
Your mouth is a carefully designed organ that performs millions of motions. Your biting contacts must be exact to guarantee optimal operation. Your teeth’s alignment and, consequently, how you chew could be affected by a chip. Your teeth may wear unevenly as a result of this, and you may even start grinding your teeth.
The possibility that the same injury that chipped your tooth also caused your jaw joint to move is even more likely. If you don’t get the necessary care, a slight displacement present could become more serious. This can result in temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
5. It May Cause Infection and Decay
Chipped teeth may be more susceptible to infection and decay. Your teeth should be smooth, but the chipped area’s roughness may increase the likelihood of food and bacteria getting stuck. This region gets more challenging to clean, which implies it can develop into a cavity.
The danger of decay can be considerably greater if the chip is a little larger and exposes the dentin, a yellowish substance that lies beneath your tooth enamel. Because dentin is less resistant to decay than enamel, cavities can spread fast through it and eventually infect the tooth’s interior, necessitating root canal therapy as a remedy.
Conclusion
It’s not unusual for people to spend a lot of time worrying about what the injury could be due to the risks associated with a chipped tooth. Spare yourself the torture. Instead, simply have a dental appointment to determine if it’s a minor chip or a serious problem and receive the proper treatment.
Whether it is a major or a minor chipped tooth, we at Shallowford Family Dental Group are here to assist you. Our team of highly qualified and certified dental specialists has over 75 years of combined experience serving the Chattanooga area. Make an appointment immediately and let the best dental staff take care of you.