One of the most incredible things about the human body is its ability to heal itself when it sustains injury. But despite centuries of evolution our bodies are far from perfect, and certain injuries aren’t able to fully heal on their own and sometimes require a little help. Among these injuries are chipped teeth; your pearly whites are strong and durable, but not invincible. When they become chipped, they unfortunately can’t heal up on their own—so how are you supposed to address the situation when it happens to you? Keep reading to learn more about chipped teeth and why it warrants a trip to your emergency dentist in Richardson.
What Causes Chipped Teeth & Why They’re Very Problematic
It is important to note that you’re more likely to experience a chipped tooth if your teeth are already in a weakened state. That said, when you do experience a chipped tooth, it is not something that will heal on its own and will require care from a dental professional. There are several risk factors associated with chipped teeth, all of which can cause or escalate the issue:
- Tooth decay and cavities that eat away at your enamel.
- Bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth).
- Consuming foods and beverages that are high in sugars and acids.
- Eating disorders and excessive alcohol use (frequent vomiting exposes your enamel to harmful acids).
- Physical trauma to your teeth.
- Worn tooth enamel due to age.
How Chipped Teeth Are Treated
If a chipped tooth occurs, you should quickly assess the severity of the situation and act accordingly. It will require treatment from your dentist, but in the meantime, you should rinse your mouth to prevent infection. If the chip is minor, you might be able to manage any pain you’re experiencing with over-the-counter pain relievers. Upon visiting your dentist, some possible treatment options include:
- Cosmetic dental bonding
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental crowns
For more severely chipped teeth, root canal therapy followed by a crown might be necessary. If the chipped tooth cannot be treated, the best option (and usually last resort) is to extract and replace the tooth. In any case, your dentist will always provide guidelines for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery.
If you have a chipped tooth, it’s not something that you should ignore; this will only lead to painful complications! That said, contact your dentist as soon as you can in order to give your tooth the best possible chance of being salvaged.
About the Author
Born and raised in Dallas himself, Dr. Ellis Shwarts is proud to serve patients and families in the Richardson area. Dr. Shwarts received his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields. His practice is pleased to offer several available services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one is suffering from a chipped tooth or some other type of dental emergency, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by calling: (972) 525-9283.