On average, there’s a person visiting a hospital emergency room somewhere in the United States every 15 seconds for a dental-related condition. Many of these visits are occasioned by a broken or chipped tooth.
Chipping can occur because of trauma to the teeth, e.g., after a blow or hard fall. It can also occur when you bite down on a substance that’s too hard. Whatever the cause, chipping can be very painful and can significantly affect your smile.
Therefore, make sure to schedule a time to visit a cosmetic dentist near me.
A chip may not seem like a big problem at first, but failure to tend to it can cause serious issues down the line. For example, it can shorten the life of the affected tooth and even contribute to premature tooth loss. The following are five significant effects of chipping.
1. Abrasions: Chipping can lead to abrasions in the soft tissues present in your mouth: gums, cheeks, and tongue. The abrasions happen when surfaces rub together, causing them to become sensitive. Eating and drinking may become difficult and painful after this.
2. Infections: A deep chip in one or more teeth can affect the root of your teeth, thus exposing it to bacteria. The presence of bacteria in the mouth will increase your risk of an infection, which may necessitate a root canal if you’re to preserve your tooth.
3. Decay and Cavities: A chip can create a reservoir that collects food particles. Depending on its location and depth, it may become impossible to brush or floss properly, causing the cavity to spread to surrounding teeth. Prolonged decay can enhance the need for dental crowns.
4. Increased Sensitivity: If the chipped teeth are close to a nerve, they can create sensitivity to cold and hot drinks or food. If you experience pain when consuming hot or cold items, the best course of action is to see a downtown Austin dentist right away.
5. Bad Breadth: Tooth infection and dental decay can both cause bad breath, which is the last thing you want, especially if you must communicate with people daily.
Despite your best efforts to care for your teeth, a chip may occur due to a fall, trip, or grinding of your teeth while asleep. Knowing the problems that can result from it will enable you to make haste and get it corrected.
The good news is that you can easily fix a chipped tooth and avoid the problems that come with it. At Toothbar, we take chipping very seriously, and the first thing our cosmetic dentist will do is examine the tooth and surrounding area for any indications of decay.
The next step will be to clean the area and determine whether you need a filling or a crown. If your chip is simple and small enough, the go-to option is dental bonding. Bonding involves applying a cosmetic resin material over the chipping to create a natural-looking mold.
If we notice that bonding may not work for your problem, the dentist may recommend veneers. These are porcelain covers that will cover the front area of the affected tooth. They’re the best option for individuals who want a solution that will last for several years.
Chipping is one of the reasons we recommend visiting your dentist twice a year. If you suspect you have a chipped tooth, visit Downtown Austin-based Toothbar today or contact us at 512-949-8202 for more information.
Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.
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