Your smile is everything, and any blemish to it, big or small, seriously affects your teeth’ aesthetics and performance. In addition, it will negatively affect the way you look at yourself alongside the difficulty and discomfort when consuming foods and/or beverages. There are many different ways a chipped tooth can happen; however, regardless of the severity of your condition, it needs dental work to prevent it from turning into a bigger issue.
Understanding the problems that arise due to a chipped tooth is essential, as it will give you the motivation to schedule an appointment with your dentist and get the problem under control. We have composed a list of the problems a chipped tooth causes below. Keep on reading to discover why even the smallest chip needs to be dealt with immediately.
Do You Have A Chipped Tooth?
The first step before seeking treatment is determining whether or not your tooth is chipped. Fortunately, it can be quite easy to identify. A tooth is defined as chipped the moment a small portion of it breaks off. Depending on the amount of tooth enamel that breaks off determines how extensive the treatment needs to be to provide a solution. Chipped teeth may not seem like a serious issue. However, various things can go wrong. Oral issues that occur due to an unfixed chipped tooth include the following:
1. Cuts to soft tissues in the mouth
Like many other objects that break, when a piece of the tooth breaks off, it leaves the portion that has stayed intact with jagged and sharp edges. These edges have the potential to cut the soft tissue that lays within the mouth. These include the inside of the cheeks and the tongue. Not only do cuts to these tissues become extremely irritating, but if left untreated, it will lead to a high risk of developing an infection inside of the mouth.
2. Tooth decay
Perhaps one of the most negative conditions caused by a chipped tooth, tooth decay occurs when the acids created by bacteria in the mouth start to eat away at the tooth’s structure. This will eventually lead to the formation of cavities. Without seeing a dentist, tooth decay will expand until the entire tooth structure is compromised. This tooth decay also leads to the destruction of enamel, a protective coating on the teeth. Tooth enamel that is eliminated will expose the tooth’s inner layers to acids, leading to tooth decay and severe infections.
3. The Entire Tooth Begins to Fall Apart
No matter the size, a chip compromises the integrity of a tooth’s structure. When left untreated, the entire tooth is at risk. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, it’s crucial to remember that even the tiniest chips pose a substantial risk to your smile. Especially if a patient continues to eat with the side of the mouth where the chip is located, the tooth will start to fall apart. Visit your local dental clinic when you realize that one of your teeth has been chipped.
4. Extreme Sensitivity in the Teeth 
As we mentioned above, tooth decay removes the protective enamel, exposing the inner layers of the teeth. When this happens, particles in food and beverages will enter the dentin, which contains a wide array of nerve endings. Patients with chipped teeth have increased sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and foods. As a part of the body in constant contact with different things, unbearable sensitivity will affect a good night’s sleep, day-to-day life, and overall morale. The moment you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, no matter the pain level, see a dentist right away.
Common Reasons a Chipped Tooth Occurs
Unknown to many, a chipped tooth can occur for various reasons, and it’s not just because of a fall or an accident. While playing sports and activities that include contact are some of the main reasons for chipped teeth, it is crucial to keep a strict dental hygiene plan to avoid other factors from causing a chipped tooth. Common causes include:
- Bad Bite: Biting down hard on something such as hard candy, bone, or even an ice cube
- Bruxism: This condition is caused by excessive teeth grinding, and it can cause a cracked or chipped tooth.
- Poor Hygiene: Not keeping up with brushing your teeth and flossing is also one of the many reasons a chipped tooth occurs, as it leads to cavities and the reduction of tooth enamel.
- Contact to the Teeth: As we mentioned above, this is one of the main reasons a chipped tooth occurs. It is essential to always wear the proper protection when playing sports and participating in demanding activities.
Prevent Problems by Getting Appropriate Treatments
It’s common among patients to have a chipped tooth and not receive treatments as they feel like the chip isn’t that bad, but getting the right therapy is crucial to the overall health of your smile. Our #1 rated dental clinic in Palos Park, IL, boasts knowledgeable dentists and dental professionals with advanced tools and techniques to treat chipped teeth. Specialized therapies will restore your smile permanently. However, the longer you wait before finding a solution, the more likely you will experience painful and even permanent issues. Depending on the severeness of your chipped tooth, your dentist may use one of the following therapies to fix your condition, including:
- Composite bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
Why Choose Sheehan Dental to Treat Your Chipped Tooth? Contact Us Today!
At Sheehan Dental, each member of our staff is a leader in the industry and takes great passion for easing patient discomfort and providing them with a solution that lasts. Our personal touch to family dentistry, alongside our extensive knowledge and advanced techniques, makes us stand out above other dental clinics in Chicagoland. Our mission is to enhance your smile, ensure it stays healthy, relieve any discomfort, and bring life back to your beautiful smile! Therefore, if you have a chipped tooth, get immediate attention by scheduling an appointment online or visiting our clinic; get directions here!