If you’ve recently chipped your tooth, we advise you contact Dr. Vlahos Dentistry in St. Catharines as soon as possible. Not treating a chipped tooth in a timely manner can cause you significant oral problems down the line. Here is our breakdown of how neglecting proper treatment for your chipped tooth can hinder your oral health.
LEAVING YOUR CHIPPED TOOTH UNTREATED
Without professional treatment, your chipped tooth is susceptible to an infection that will only get worse over time. This infection can even move to the throat, causing further health problems. It’s best to meet with a dentist after chipping your tooth for immediate treatment, ensuring the chip does not become infected, leading to additional problems.
WHY VISITING THE DENTIST IS NECESSARY
It does not matter if you have minor symptoms, no symptoms at all, or considerable pain. An analysis of your chipped tooth by a professional is necessary to preserve your oral health. The failure to obtain a timely treatment at a dentist’s office will cause the pain to linger. While your chipped tooth might not spur immediate pain, an infection can set in and compromise your oral and overall health.
If the tooth hurts, changes colour or proves sensitive to heat, the pulp portion of the tooth is likely damaged. You will require the trained eye of a dentist to determine if the root has any damage as well or if there is a possible infection. An infection can occur if the break is severe enough to expose the tooth’s pulp.
The pulp is the portion of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that moves into the mouth has the potential to move into the pulp and cause an infection. It is also possible for pulp tissue to die as a result of the chip.
YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you’ve compromised your dental pulp, you will likely need a root canal surgery in order to eliminate the infected tissue and apply a sealing. However, in some cases, a root canal will prove to be unnecessary. The manner of repairing the chipped tooth hinges on the extent of the damage.
Minor chips, cracks or breaks can be repaired through dental bonding or a filling. A dental crown will likely be necessary for larger breaks. However, if only a small portion of the enamel is missing, a filling can be a repair option. If there is a crack in the front of the tooth, then your dentist will use dental bonding to repair it.
HOW TO PROCEED UNTIL YOU CAN MEET WITH A DENTIST
You can do a couple of things on your own to reduce discomfort before meeting with Dr. Vlahos. Rinse your mouth with saltwater, take a pain reliever and cover the sharp portion of the chip with dental wax. If you do not have dental wax, apply some sugar-free gum to the sharp edge. Restrict your diet to soft foods and do not bite down until you meet with us.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today.