WILL MY CHIPPED TOOTH HEAL?
December 21, 2022
You can accidentally chip a tooth doing just about anything—playing sports, eating a piece of hard candy, tripping and falling—the list goes on. Regardless of why your tooth becomes chipped, it’s important to act fast to minimize the chances of additional, more serious damage from occurring. However, something that stands in many people’s way of receiving the timely emergency dentistry they need is the lingering question of “Will my chipped tooth heal on its own?”. Read on to learn more about how to handle a chipped tooth and if it will heal naturally.
Will a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own?
A chipped tooth cannot heal on its own. Unlike other bones in the body that can heal after being fractured or broken, teeth can’t, making it important to seek care quickly after experiencing dental damage. Although any discomfort may subside with time, the only way a tooth can get repaired is with the help of an emergency dentist.
Signs You Chipped a Tooth
If the dental damage is minor, it’s easier to miss the fact that you chipped a tooth, allowing harmful oral bacteria access to the layers located below the broken-off protective enamel. To keep decay and infections from developing, keep an eye out for signs that you have a chipped tooth:
- Sensitivity whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Mild to moderate oral discomfort
What Should You Do if You Chipped a Tooth?
The first step you should take if you chipped a tooth is to contact your local emergency dentist as soon as possible. After making an appointment, retrieve the chipped-off portion of your tooth if you’re able to find it and rinse it off. Be sure to bring it to your visit with you. When you arrive at their office, they’ll examine your mouth and determine the extent of the damage, allowing them to propose relevant treatment plans to address the issue at-hand.
What Dental Treatments Can Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Depending on the extent of the damage, your budget, and your goals, they may recommend a couple of different options:
- Dental Bonding. Dental bonding can repair the appearance of a tooth using composite resin as well as seal off the more vulnerable layers of the tooth beneath the enamel.
- Veneers. Veneers can be placed over the visible surface of the damaged tooth to conceal any damage.
- Dental Crowns. A dental crown may be needed for more moderate to severe dental damage to help provide it with not only protection, but also support.
Working together with your emergency dentist, you’ll be able to choose the treatment plan that best fits your unique needs. Not only will you be happy with the appearance of your smile and not have to deal with declining self-confidence due to a chipped tooth, but you’ll also be able to rest-assured that by seeking early treatment, you won’t have to worry about worsening oral health problems.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Krikorian has over 25 years of experience practicing general and cosmetic dentistry. He regularly seeks out continuing education to stay up to date with the latest advancements in his field and is an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He regularly sees patients who are suffering from dental emergencies to get them out of pain quickly and preserve their oral health. For questions or to schedule an emergency visit, visit Dental Specialists Group’s website or call 786-589-8349.