It is important to repair a chipped tooth promptly to prevent the issue from worsening or symptoms of the chipped tooth from lingering for longer than what is necessary. When seeking prompt care for a chipped tooth, the treatment is often less invasive and more affordable for the patient as well.
When visiting a dentist for chipped tooth treatment, the dentist can relieve the symptoms, restore the tooth’s health, function, and appearance and help educate the patient on ways to prevent a chipped tooth moving forward, which may involve wearing a nightguard. The following highlights the importance of repairing a chipped tooth and preventing additional chips from occurring.
Most instances of a chipped tooth lead to discomforting symptoms, such as an aching pain in the affected area, gum swelling, and teeth and gum sensitivity. The symptoms can extend for a prolonged period of time if proper care is not provided after the chip occurs. In some instances, the swelling and discomfort can last for weeks and significantly increase the likelihood of other oral health complications (see below).
A chipped tooth could lead to an oral infection if the tooth is not treated in a timely manner. Although the initial symptoms may go away for minor chips, the tooth is still more vulnerable to an infection that requires root canal therapy to save the tooth.
If prompt care is administered, then the patient may only need a crown or dental bonding to address the concern. However, a chipped tooth that is left untreated can either chip more or become infected. When this occurs, the tooth may need a root canal to prevent tooth loss and avoid the infection from spreading.
As mentioned, tooth loss is the inevitable result if a chip goes untreated. While some minor chips can not show any symptoms for years, eventually the chip can worsen and put the tooth in jeopardy, whereas a dentist can restore its health long-term.
One of the main reasons patients desire prompt care for a chipped tooth is to address the cosmetic concern that it causes. A chip is often highly noticeable to others, especially if it occurs in the front of the mouth. Many patients report feeling much more confident in their smiles after chipped tooth repair.
If you have suffered a chipped tooth, then we encourage you to give our dental team a call as soon as possible to schedule a visit for the next available time. We are also glad to answer any questions or address any concerns you have in regard to your chipped tooth and help you stay calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout the treatment process.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sandstondds.com or call Sandston Comprehensive Dentistry at (804) 412-0878 for an appointment in our Sandston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Sandston, VA.
Visits to your general dentist are done routinely, which for most people is twice per year or every six months. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning. What is that? In this article, we will review what a dental cleaning is and when you might be due for one.Just like spring cleaning in…
Considering cosmetic dental work from a general dentist? Although cosmetic dentistry is its own field, general dentists also offer an array of procedures that can be used to improve the way that the teeth look. There are a lot of different procedures that can be performed in a general dentistry setting. Keep reading to find…
The effects of sensitive teeth are not limited to inconvenience during meals. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of a bigger problem with the potential to affect your general health. Thankfully, this is not always the case. Keep reading to find out the different causes of tooth sensitivity. Some causes suggest issues that could potentially…
Many patients visiting a general dentist do not fully understand the use of dental X-rays. Patients may wonder if this type of imaging is completely necessary, and it is important to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Dental X-ray exposure is safer than ever before, and when patients are knowledgeable about the procedure,…
Most people do not even notice when tooth decay has already begun in their teeth.
Learn about how professional teeth whitening works once braces have been removed. This article outlines…
When the crown is ready, patients will return to the dental office for placement.
Trusting your smile to a dentist is a big commitment, so choosing the right type…
Clear aligners are a discreet way of straightening the teeth.
A dental filling is one of the most common ways to restore teeth that are…
