Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them to—and they often have a knack for occurring when it’s very inconvenient. But there are varying degrees of dental emergencies, and something like a chipped tooth might not always seem serious. But will a chipped tooth heal up on its own, or is it something that your emergency dentist in Willow Grove needs to handle? Keep reading to learn more about what causes teeth to become chipped and how they’re treated.
Common Causes of Chipped Teeth
As strong and resilient as your teeth are, they aren’t invincible. And sometimes, things can happen that cause them to become chipped or fractured! But weakened teeth, especially due to poor oral hygiene, are extra vulnerable to sustaining damage. That said, there are several other risk factors that can cause your teeth to become chipped or escalate the issue, including:
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Bruxism (unconsciously grinding your teeth while you sleep or exercise).
- Eating disorders and excessive alcohol consumption (due to acids coming in contact with your enamel).
- Worn enamel due to old age and daily wear.
- Physical injury to the mouth resulting from contact sports, an auto accident, a trip or fall, etc.
Why Do Chipped Teeth Require Professional Care?
It’s a known fact that the human body has impressive healing capabilities, but unfortunately, your teeth usually can’t repair serious damage like chips or cracks without the help of your dentist. In some rare cases, a tooth that’s sustained a small amount of damage to its enamel layer might be able to repair itself over time (thanks to the remineralization benefits offered by your saliva). But the majority of tooth problems involving physical damage will likely require professional treatment.
That said, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain related to the issue, you should still contact your emergency dentist promptly; refusing to address a chipped or fractured tooth might allow a more serious problem to develop. Depending on the severity of the injury, your dentist will determine when you need to be seen and how the issue can be addressed. They might suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers or using an ice pack on your cheek to reduce any discomfort while you’re waiting for your appointment.
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
There are a few different ways that chipped teeth can be treated. Some of the most common solutions include dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers and more. For severely chipped teeth, root canal therapy might be necessary before a crown can be fitted. In the most extreme cases, a chipped tooth might need to be extracted if the damage cannot be sufficiently repaired. In any case, your dentist will always ensure that no matter what treatment method is used, the issue is fully addressed, and you’re provided with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
If you have a chipped tooth, you shouldn’t wait around for it to heal; it likely won’t! Visiting your emergency dentist is the best way to ensure that your tooth receives the care it needs, and your smile isn’t in any long-term danger.
About the Practice
The team at Advanced Smile Design is proud to serve patients in the Willow Grove, PA area under the leadership of Dr. Krunal Patel and Dr. Poorvi Gandhi. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one has sustained a chipped or fractured tooth, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance: (215) 659-3334.
