It can happen at any time. You're playing rugby, chewing on ice, or using your teeth to do a tool's job, and bam! You chip your tooth. Depending on how bad the accident was, you might not think to seek emergency dental care straight away. After all, apart from the cosmetic side of things, a small chip in your tooth might not seem that serious. So, is a chipped tooth really a big deal and what should you do if this happens to you?
What to do if you chip your tooth
You should book an appointment and pop in to City Dentists as soon as you chip your tooth. Even if you feel no pain, you should always have a dentist take a look at your chipped tooth to evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action. Chips can weaken teeth and leave them vulnerable to cracks and fractures. On other occasions, chipped teeth may even suffer nerve damage. Chips can also leave the edge of the tooth sharp and jagged, which can cut the soft tissues of your mouth.
Delaying a visit to the dentist after you chip your tooth could lead to further damage or serious infection.
Treatment for chipped teeth
Once we've taken a look at your teeth, we will be able to decide how to deal with the chip. Treatment depends on the extent of the damage and could involve any of the following options:
- Small chips in the tooth enamel can be fixed with a dental filling.
- Porcelain veneers are the perfect solution to chips that are purely cosmetic. A veneer will make your smile perfect again, while shielding the chipped tooth from further damage by adding a layer of protection.
- Another method of concealing a misshapen, chipped tooth is to add a dental crown. Dental crowns are small caps that fit over the damaged tooth, so they are effective at strengthening a tooth that has been weakened by a chip or crack. They also hide the unevenness of a chipped tooth.
How to avoid chipping your teeth
The best treatment for chipped teeth is prevention. That might not be much help if you are already nursing an injured tooth, but at least it can stop you from damaging another one. Try to avoid biting hard foods such as almonds, bones, and hard lollies, and wear a mouthguard when playing sport.
Is a chipped tooth really a big deal? The damage can vary but you should always have it examined as soon as possible. If you are suffering from a chipped tooth, make an appointment online and we'll sort you out.