Even if a slight chip in your tooth is not going to heal on its own, you may find yourself leaving it be and hoping there are no further problems that result from the injury. In some cases, a chip can be slight enough to not affect a tooth’s health – in a situation like this, cosmetic dental work can be enough to hide the problem. What you should be aware of is the possibility that your injury has affected your ability to safely bite and chew without causing further damage to your enamel. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can evaluate an injured tooth to see if you might require restorative dental work.
Untreated Injuries Can Lead To Infection And More Physical Damage
If you choose to ignore an injury, you should be aware that there are potential complications that may arise and affect you. For example, your tooth may be weakened by the existing damage to your enamel. As a result, it can be more likely to chip further, or even crack. This can lead to pain, problems with your appearance, and the potential for an infection to develop. While you may hope to simply work around the tooth and give it less work while you bite and chew, that change in your bite function may put stress on your jaw joints, which can lead to TMJ disorder.
Will I Need Restorative Work For A Chipped Tooth?
Sometimes, there is not a need to perform restorative dental work for a chipped tooth. If the harm is not significant, it may be something that can be addressed through a more conservative cosmetic procedure instead. However, you may want to be careful about simply assuming that the tooth’s health is not affected. If you are wrong, it can lead to consequences later. By having the matter evaluated, your dentist can see if you might need a dental crown to ensure that the tooth stays safe.
Tips To Help You Avoid Future Dental Damages
There are certain behaviors that can put a person at greater risk for damage to their tooth enamel. If you are someone who occasionally bites or chews on hard surfaces, it can lead to wear and tear that may result in more chips in teeth. You can also hurt your smile if you grind or clench your jaw, particularly if you do this at night. In general, you should be cautious about putting needless pressure on your teeth, and remain committed to consistent brushing and flossing habits.
Our Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office Has Experience Restoring Injured Teeth
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office has helped many people deal with problems that affected their teeth. To find out more about our services, please call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
