Crispy apples, hard-shell jawbreakers, and a solid block of ice are some of the most satisfying things to munch down on. But did you know that chomping down on hard substances can be a health hazard? As fulfilling as it feels, getting a chipped tooth from eating your favorite snack isn’t exactly ideal. Be it a slightly chipped tooth or a huge crack, the pain that comes with it is nothing short of horrendous.
However, as long as you take the proper measures, you won’t have anything to worry about. Nonetheless, if you’ve recently chipped a tooth and are trying to find ways to cope with it, we’ve got you! Keep on reading this blog to find out more.
Help! My Tooth is Slightly Chipped Off — What Do I Do?
First things first: Don’t panic!
It might seem like you’ve lost a big part of your tooth, but if you’ve only chipped off a tiny edge of your pearly white, you have nothing to fear. A chipped tooth is far more common than you might think, and more often than not, people accidentally bite down on something leading up to it. But no matter how it occurs, visiting a dentist should be at the top of your list.
Whether the chip on your tooth is big or small, getting it checked out can help prevent severe complications. So, even if you might not feel pain or discomfort, brushing it away is the last thing you should do. If left untreated, the tiny crack can lead to further damage, causing cuts and bruises to the inside of your lip or cheek.
Is a Chipped Tooth Dental Emergency?
Although a slightly chipped tooth isn’t considered to be a dental emergency, it’s still recommended to get it checked out by a dentist. This is because the effects of a chipped tooth don’t really set off right away. However, it might require immediate attention if your tooth is broken or has a huge crack down its middle.
Will a Dentist Fix a Slightly Chipped Tooth?
It doesn’t matter how you chipped your tooth, be it through a nasty fall or an exceptionally tough candy; a chipped tooth can ruin your smile. Not to mention, your self-esteem also takes a hit. And considering how permanent teeth don’t grow back out, the best thing that you can do is to level out the jagged edges.
Your dentist can do this by using a filing instrument to shape your enamel. Not only does this smooth out the cracks and uneven surfaces, but it also enhances your smile, boosting your confidence.
Bottom Line
To wrap it up, if your tooth is only slightly chipped, a dentist can easily polish it over. Which is to say, it’s nothing to worry about. But in case of a broken tooth, reach out to a dental professional as soon as you can.
If you notice signs of a fever, swelling, and bleeding after chipping your tooth, contact Smile Time Dental at (281) 245-0711 to schedule an appointment.