If you’ve recently chipped a tooth, you might be tempted to delay seeing your dentist, hoping it will heal on its own. After all, your body can heal cuts and bruises—so a tooth will heal too, right?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. A chipped tooth will not repair itself, and ignoring it can lead to bigger dental problems down the road.
Why a Chipped Tooth Won’t Heal on Its Own
Teeth are made of enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body but does not have the ability to regenerate once it’s damaged. While your discomfort may temporarily subside, the chipped area will remain vulnerable to further damage, decay, and infection if left untreated.
Even a minor chip can expose the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities or nerve damage. Additionally, sharp edges from the chip can cut your tongue or cheek, causing ongoing discomfort until it is repaired by a dentist.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Putting off treatment for a chipped tooth can turn a small issue into a much larger one. The tooth may continue to crack or fracture, leading to pain or the need for more extensive dental procedures like a crown, root canal, or extraction. In some cases, the tooth may develop an infection that spreads to surrounding areas, requiring emergency care.
If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, or swelling in your gums, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. These are signs that the damage may have reached the nerve of your tooth.
What to Do If You Chip a Tooth
If you chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean and apply a cold compress to your cheek if there is swelling. If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to your appointment. Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth and stick to soft foods until you can see your dentist.
Your dentist will evaluate the severity of the chip and recommend the best treatment, which may include dental bonding, a filling, or a dental crown to restore your tooth’s appearance and function. Addressing a chipped tooth promptly helps prevent further complications and protects your oral health.
While you may want to wait it out, a chipped tooth will not get better on its own. Prompt treatment will protect your smile and your health.
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group in Parsippany, NJ, our skilled team provides compassionate, comprehensive dental care, including emergency services for chipped or damaged teeth. Using advanced technology and personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to helping patients regain healthy, confident smiles while making every visit as comfortable as possible.
If your teeth hurt or you simply need to book a cleaning, call us at (973) 718-9887 or schedule online.