Paper cuts, bruises, and even minor mouth burns from that morning cup of coffee may hurt for a little while, but the good news is that in most cases these injuries will eventually heal on their own. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to your teeth, even the smallest chips and cracks can’t self-repair. In fact, while they may seem harmless, the truth is, even leaving minor dental damage untreated can eventually make it look and feel a lot worse. Here’s why if you’ve injured your tooth, it’s important to visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Do You Really Need to Repair Chipped Teeth?
While some chipped teeth are very obvious (especially in the front of the mouth) the truth is that in many cases, the damage may not be all that noticeable. Unfortunately, however, this often leads people to believe that since nobody can see the chip, they don’t need to do anything to repair it. Unfortunately, however, with time, this can lead to the tooth breaking more or even becoming infected. It can also injure your soft tissue as the edge becomes sharper or more jagged.
How Do Dentists Repair Chipped Teeth?
If you’ve accidentally chipped a tooth, there may be several different options available for repairing it, depending on the location and severity of the break. These include:
- Cosmetic bonding: Using the same durable, lifelike materials your dentist uses to make tooth-colored fillings, they can rebuild the damaged enamel so it both looks and works properly. This treatment typically lasts for about five years and is ideal for minor chips or uneven edges.
- Dental crowns: These deluxe fillings are custom made to fit over your tooth like a cap, restoring its appearance and function for about ten years. Crowns are an excellent solution for severe chips or breaks that are too large or deep to be corrected with cosmetic bonding, or for teeth with excessive decay that cannot be repaired with a regular tooth-colored filling.
Remember, although chipped teeth may not seem like that big of a deal, it’s still important to have them evaluated as soon as possible by your emergency dentist. This way, you can rebuild your smile and prevent further damage before it has a chance to wreak havoc on your oral health!
About Our Practice
At Harbor Dental Center, Dr. Todd and Dr. Bhatt understand the importance of a complete, healthy smile. If you have accidentally damaged a tooth, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact us for an urgent emergency appointment so we can repair your tooth and protect your gorgeous grin from further problems. For fastest service, call us today at 410-228-5445, or for non-urgent appointments, visit our website.