Although your enamel is the hardest material in your body, it doesn’t mean they’re invulnerable to damage. With one wrong bite or a sudden blow to the face, you might find yourself with a chipped tooth. However, you may be wondering if you’ll even need treatment, especially if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort. Maybe it’ll heal on its own? Keep reading to learn what you should expect from a chipped tooth and why you shouldn’t take a wait-and-see approach.

Will a Chipped Tooth Heal?

Unlike your organic bone tissue, your enamel cannot regenerate. Since it isn’t made of the same living material, you won’t expect missing portions of your teeth to grow back on their own. They may be able to remineralize and strengthen their structure, but any lost parts will remain gone. If left untreated, a chipped tooth can become more vulnerable to further damage as well as infection. For this reason, you’ll need to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid these complications.

Should I Still Get Treated If It Doesn’t Hurt?

Since chipped teeth aren’t always accompanied by severe discomfort or pain, you might not consider the situation a dental emergency. Even after an accidental impact to your mouth, you may not notice the effect until you look in the mirror. Still, regardless of if the damage is minor and hardly noticeable, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist within a few days. The more pressure your tooth is subjected to from eating and talking, the more it will wear down and weaken over time. Without immediate treatment, the damage can become more dangerous and uncomfortable.

Best Treatments for a Chipped Tooth

To steer clear of any future difficulties, your dentist will want to see you for an appointment to treat your chipped tooth. In many instances, this situation can easily and quickly be addressed with dental bonding. By using composite resin, your dentist can reshape and improve your tooth to look and feel natural again. If the affected teeth are in the front of your smile, then you might consider veneers for a more comprehensive makeover. These thin porcelain shells will conceal most dental flaws and provide a virtually permanent whitening solution as well. For more severely chipped teeth, you can instead opt for dental crowns. This restoration treatment will cover the entire natural tooth to protect and strengthen its structure for many years to come.

Like most dental emergencies, a chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. However, if you do experience one, you can feel more confident about informing your dentist right away and receiving the necessary treatment to restore your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Cheng earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a member of several groups like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He’s been named one of “America’s Top Dentists” for several years in a row and has more than two decades of experience. He offers multiple comprehensive treatments, including dental bonding, veneers, and CEREC same-day dental crowns. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a chipped tooth, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 817-292-5957.