Why It Is Necessary to Repair a Chipped Tooth

Have you chipped a tooth? Read on to learn about the importance of prompt treatment for chipped teeth. You need to reach out to a dental office immediately if you have a chipped tooth. Otherwise, the issue might worsen over time and become more serious. The dentist will examine the tooth and recommend restorative treatment to repair it.

Why does a chipped tooth need repair?

It makes no difference whether the symptoms are mild, absent, or there is severe discomfort — patients will need an examination of the chipped tooth to maintain their oral health. The discomfort will persist if they do not get treatment from a dentist as soon as possible. Although a chipped tooth may not cause immediate discomfort, an infection may develop and threaten dental and overall health.

The pulp (inner) part of the tooth may be seriously damaged if it aches, changes color, or becomes heat sensitive. A dentist's skilled eye is required to identify if the root has been damaged or if an infection has developed. If the break is significant enough to expose the pulp of the tooth, an infection may develop. The pulp is the part of the tooth where blood vessels and nerves are found. Bacteria that enter the mouth can spread to the pulp and infect it. There is a chance that the chip will cause the pulp tissue to die.

Treatment options for a chipped tooth

The severity of the injury determines the method of mending a chipped tooth. If the dental pulp is infected, patients will require root canal treatment to remove the diseased tissue and seal the tooth. In certain instances, a root canal is not required.

Dental bonding or a filling may be used to fix minor chips, cracks, or fractures. Large fractures will most likely need the use of a dental crown. On the other hand, a filling may be a possibility if just a tiny part of the enamel is gone. If there is a break in the tooth's front, the dentist can typically fix it using dental bonding.

What to do before the dental appointment

Patients can minimize pain before their chipped tooth repair appointment by doing a few things. Rinse the mouth with salt water, take pain meds, then use dental wax to cover the sharp part of the chipped tooth. If dental wax is not available, cover the sharp edge with sugar-free gum. Restrict the diet to soft foods and refrain from biting with the tooth until the dentist can check it.

Do you have a chipped tooth?

Patients should not ignore a chipped tooth. Without professional care, a damaged tooth may get infected, which will only worsen over time. This infection can potentially spread to the neck and head, producing a slew of health issues. It is advisable to consult a dentist after chipping a tooth for pain relief and to ensure that the chip does not cause further issues.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hemingwaydds.com or call Julie A. Hemingway, D.D.S. at (805) 409-2358 for an appointment in our Santa Barbara office.

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