If you have a chip in a tooth, it may not seem a big problem, and you could imagine it’s simply a cosmetic issue, but there are some important reasons for fixing chipped teeth in Newcastle as soon as possible. If you do not have a chipped tooth restored, it could lead to more serious problems that may compromise your oral health.
Listed below are some reasons why you should fix that chipped tooth.
Infection and Decay
The potential for infection and decay is one of the main reasons you should get a chip in a tooth amended quickly. Without a protective layer of tooth enamel, bacteria in your mouth can more easily penetrate your tooth. Initially, a chip or crack can develop into a cavity, and without treatment, it could eventually reach the tooth nerve causing significant discomfort and toothache. At this stage, you might need root canal therapy in Courtice to remove the infection so the tooth can be fully restored. Without prompt treatment for a severe tooth infection, there is a real risk you could lose the tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity
When you have a chip or crack in your tooth enamel, you can experience unwanted tooth sensitivity, especially when you eat anything very hot or cold and sweet or sour. These sensations can penetrate the dentin underneath the damaged tooth enamel more easily, reaching your tooth nerve.
The Injury Could Be More Severe Than It Appears
Sometimes, a crack or chip in a tooth can be more severe than it first looks, so you need to see a dentist to have it properly evaluated. They will need to make sure the damage isn’t too severe, and the crack doesn’t extend right through the tooth into the tooth root.
Appearance
A chip right in a front tooth can be highly visible, creating a dark space behind the chip. Even a small chip can make quite a difference to the appearance of your smile, especially if you need to make a good impression in a professional or personal situation.
Damaging Your Cheeks or Tongue
A crack in a tooth can create a sharp edge that could dig into your cheeks or tongue, and while it might not cause significant discomfort, it can become annoying.
Treating a Chipped Tooth
Often, the treatment needed to mend a chip in a tooth is very quick and straightforward. You may only need a simple filling or sometimes dental bonding to restore strength and structure to the tooth. Our West Bowmanville Family Dental dentist can place a filling using tooth-coloured composite resin, so the filling is virtually invisible. The same material is used to bond a tooth, for example, if you have a small chip in a front tooth. With dental bonding, the composite resin is applied to the prepared tooth surface and hardened using a special light before our dentist shapes and polishes the bonded area. The result is a natural-looking tooth fully restored to its proper size and shape.
If a chip is more severe and you have lost a substantial part of the tooth structure, you may need a slightly different treatment, such as a dental crown in Clarington. The crown will cover the entire tooth, sealing it right down to the gumline and preventing further damage or infection. To make a crown, we first prepare the tooth before taking a digital dental impression, so there is no need for a messy and uncomfortable mouth tray. The digital scan is sent directly to the dental lab to make your restoration. The result is a beautiful, hardwearing and natural-looking crown that fits exactly over your tooth, providing maximum protection.