Imagine you are digging into some of your favorite hard candies. The sweet flavors are bouncing off your tongue, a nice reward after a long day. You bite into one, and then, something immediately doesn’t feel right. It turns out to be a piece of your tooth that has chipped off! You might leave it be, thinking it’ll grow back on its own, but this isn’t the case. Keep reading to learn why visiting your emergency dentist after chipping a tooth is important.
Will My Chipped Tooth Get Better Over Time?
Many people think that their teeth can grow back like fingernails, but this is untrue. Chips can’t fix themselves since enamel is considered to be non-living tissue. You might assume these dental structures are like bones, where they have blood vessels or bone marrow. But this outer layer doesn’t, meaning they won’t be able to repair themselves.
This is even the case if you weaken your enamel by eating too many acidic foods. However, the human body is resilient, meaning that these small amounts of lost minerals can be replenished. Your saliva and fluoride toothpaste help with a process called remineralization to strengthen this part of a tooth, but it doesn’t rebuild a chip.
Does My Chipped Tooth Need Urgent Dental Care?
In short, yes! Whether it’s a small or big chip, it is a dental emergency. While some cases may just be a cosmetic issue, other times it can expose the inner structures of the tooth to harmful bacteria. In turn, this increases your risk of infection and decay. Not only that, but you may be left with a sharp edge that can cut your inner cheek and tongue. By prolonging treatment, you might even break your tooth more.
How Will My Dentist Fix My Chipped Tooth?
The good news is that your dentist is equipped to handle these kinds of situations. If it’s a minor chip, then cosmetic bonding can repair your tooth in just one appointment. If it’s just a bit bigger, then a veneer can be helpful as well, especially for your front teeth. They cover any imperfections behind a durable porcelain shell.
Major damage can be treated in a few ways. For instance, if bacteria are threatening the inner tooth pulp, then a root canal can help save it. A crown will be needed afterward to protect it and restore its function. In rare, serious instances, extraction may be needed, but your dentist will work to save your natural smile first.
Regardless, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency! Call your dentist, even if you aren’t in any pain, and you can preserve your grin and keep your oral health strong.
About the Practice
At Gale Ranch Family Dental, you benefit from an expert team of dentists who are here to help when you need urgent dental care. By offering same-day appointments for emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, you can get the treatment you need that gets you the relief you deserve. We have a wide range of services that get you back to a confident smile, despite this situation not being too stressful occasionally. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the fastest way to contact us is by calling (925) 648-8881.