Life comes at you pretty fast; and sometimes, dental emergencies can happen out of the blue! But when you suffer something like a chipped tooth, is it truly an emergency? Or are damaged teeth able to heal up on their own? Keep reading to learn more from your emergency dentist about what you should do when you suffer a chipped tooth in Jefferson.
What Causes Chipped Teeth?
Your teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible—and sometimes things can happen that cause them to become chipped or fractured! Weakened teeth, especially due to poor oral hygiene, are very susceptible to this; however, there are many other risk factors associated with chipped teeth, all of which can cause or escalate the issue:
- Tooth decay & cavities.
- Bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth).
- Eating disorders and excessive alcohol consumption (from acids coming in contact with your teeth).
- Worn enamel due to old age.
- Physical trauma from contact sports, a trip or fall, an auto accident, etc.
Why Do Chipped Teeth Require Treatment?
Even though most of the cells in your body are capable of repairing themselves, your teeth usually can’t repair serious damage like chips and fractures without the help of your dentist! In rare cases, a tooth that has sustained a small crack in its enamel layer might be able to repair itself over time (thanks to the remineralization benefits provided by your saliva), but the high majority of tooth problems involving physical damage are going to require professional care. Refusing to address the issue can lead to painful consequences and serious oral health concerns!
That said, you should still contact your emergency dentist promptly upon sustaining a chipped tooth, even if you’re not experiencing any pain! Depending on the severity of the injury, your dentist will determine when you need to come in and how you can address the situation in the meantime, such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers or applying an ice pack to your cheek on the affected side of your mouth.
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
Upon arriving at your emergency dentist’s office for a chipped tooth, there are several ways they can help you out. Common treatment options include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or crowns. For more severely chipped teeth, you might need a root canal before you can receive a crown. In extreme cases, the chipped tooth might need to be extracted if the damage cannot be treated, but this is usually done as a very last resort.
In any case, your dentist will always ensure that no matter how your chipped tooth is treated, you’re provided with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. If you’ve sustained a chipped tooth and you’re waiting around for it to heal, it likely won’t—but visiting your emergency dentist quickly is the best way to ensure that it receives the care it needs.
About the Practice
The team at Dental Group of Jefferson is honored to serve patients and families in the Jefferson, OH area under the leadership of Dr. Casey Hammond and Dr. Stephanie Pichler. Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one has suffered a chipped tooth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment: (440) 576-7040.