6 Reasons To Fix Your Chipped Tooth

Getting a chipped tooth might not seem like a big issue, and you may believe it is simply a cosmetic concern as it affects the look of your smile. However, ignoring a chipped tooth can cause substantial damage and compromise the entire tooth. Following are the top six reasons why you need to fix your chipped tooth.

• Your Smile’s Appearance

Your smile is the most important asset to make a good first impression, and minor chips can impede your ability to make a good impression. Cosmetic worries should be the least of your problems when it comes to a chipped tooth. Small chips are noticeable if they interrupt the symmetry of your smile or reveal black space behind the tooth. A chip is noticeable to others especially if it occurs in the front of the mouth. Many patients feel more confident in their smiles after a chipped tooth repair.

• It Can Cause Oral Problems 

A chipped tooth will not only affect the appearance of your smile but can also cause uncomfortable sensitivity. It reduces the insulation between the nerve and your tooth. A chipped tooth can lead to a lot of discomfort.

• Aching pain in the affected area
• Gum swelling
• Tooth and gum sensitivity to hot and cold beverages
• Pain when eating
• Fever
• Bad breath or sour taste in your mouth
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw area

In some instances, the swelling and discomfort can last for weeks if proper care is not provided. It is also likely to increase other oral health complications. This can be a headache to deal with every day. You should consult our dentist in Magnolia, TX. 

• Cut Tongue Or Cheeks

A chipped tooth can cause sensitivity and pain around the other areas of your mouth. If the chip gives a sharp edge to the tooth, it can accidentally scratch your tongue or hurt your inner cheeks in a certain spot. It may not be painful, but it is annoying especially if you don’t get it fixed for a long time.

• Bite And Jaw Issues

A chipped tooth can cause problems in your bite and jaw. Your mouth is engaged in different types of motion every day. It helps you chew, talk or swallow foods. To make sure that your bite functions properly, your teeth will need to fit together precisely. A chip can affect the way your teeth fit and will also affect the way you bite, chew, or talk. It is also possible that your chipped tooth can knock your jaw out of alignment or displace jaw joints. These minor displacements can lead to something worse if you do not get it fixed.

• Risk Of Decay And Infection

A chipped or cracked tooth is more prone to decay and infection compared to healthy teeth. If you have a chipped, it will result in a rough surface, which will attract food, debris, and bacteria. It is also tough to clean properly and can easily, turn into a cavity. If the chip is deeper, it can expose the dentin underneath the enamel, which may lead to a high risk of decay and can result in oral damage, which is much more serious. Dentin is not resistant to decay like the enamel therefore, cavities can occur quickly. This will lead to spreading and infection of the interior of the tooth. This type of damage and decay will need root canal treatment.

• Your Injury Could Be Serious 

In some cases, the chip to your tooth may not just be on the surface, but it might have caused damage to the roots of your tooth. This could misalign the roots, which can cause the tooth to get discolored, infected, or even fall out and die. If your chip or crack is large enough where you lost most of the tooth structure, then they may suggest a dental crown, an implant, or even veneers or another form of restorative dentistry. Consult our dentist in Magnolia, TX who will inspect the tooth and the extent of the injury. 

• Treatment For Chipped Tooth

The type of treatment needed to recover the chipped tooth depends on the severity of the chip or crack. If a chipped tooth is treated on time, then the patient may only need a dental crown or bonding to heal the tooth. However, a chipped tooth that is left untreated can become more infected, which may require a root canal to prevent tooth loss and to stop the infection from spreading. The most important thing to do when you have a chipped or a cracked tooth is to consult our dentist in Magnolia, TX, for the best possible treatment, and you can continue to have a healthy smile

The Best Dentist In Magnolia, TX

At Magnolia Family Dental and Orthodontics, we transform people’s lives by restoring confidence in their smiles. If you suffer from a chipped tooth, contact us today to book an appointment with the best dentist in Magnolia, TX.