Your teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Unfortunately, this means that while you may do your best to protect your smile by brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist regularly for your biannual check-up and cleaning appointments, accidents still can happen. So, what should you do if you chip a tooth? While you might be tempted to leave it alone in hopes it will repair itself, here’s why this is a bad idea, an why a chipped tooth is considered a dental emergency.
Smile Heal Thyself: Do I Really Need to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Unfortunately, unlike your skin, muscles, and bones, your teeth are unable to self-heal. This means that if they do become chipped, cracked, infected, or develop a cavity, you’ll need the help of your dentist to repair them.
While a chipped tooth may not seem like that big of a deal, leaving it unrepaired can put you at risk for a variety of problems, including tooth infections, decay, and injuries to your soft tissues, especially if it now has any sharp or jagged edges.
How Do You Repair Chipped Teeth?
There are several ways your dentist may choose to repair your chipped tooth, but the exact method will depend on the severity and location of the damage. Popular options typically include:
- Dental bonding: Using the same material your dentist uses in tooth-colored fillings, the chipped tooth is rebuilt so it looks and works properly. This treatment can last up to five years.
- Dental crowns: These deluxe fillings fit over the tooth like a cap, restoring its appearance and function. This treatment may be necessary for larger chips or breaks that are too big for direct bonding.
Remember, while a chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal, it will not heal on its own and can leave you vulnerable to soft tissue injury, decay, and infection. Thus, should an accidental injury occur, don’t wait to get help. Contact your emergency dentist today to restore your tooth and bring back your complete, beautiful smile!
About Our Practice
At Family & Implant Dentistry of Stuart, Dr. Broaddus and Dr. Laffita are here for during your dental emergency. We are proudly open Saturdays, offer same-day appointments, and can even safely administer sedation to patients who are nervous, anxious, or afraid to receive dental care. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, please don’t wait to get help. Call us as soon as possible at 772-286-3088.