A chipped tooth can be pretty easy to just shrug off. Maybe you didn’t even notice it until you were flossing, or your tongue keeps finding that rough edge in your mouth. Or maybe you chipped it while eating popcorn at the last movie you went to, or you were biting into something that turned out to be harder than you expected.
If it doesn’t hurt or bother you, it might not seem like something super urgent you need to address right away. The reality about chips, though, is that even a small one can lead to bigger problems.
Your teeth can chip because of normal wear, grinding, old fillings, weakened enamel, or small cracks that have been forming over time. What looks minor on the surface might be a sign that the tooth is under too much pressure or has lost some of its strength. So, no. Chipped teeth aren’t always just about looks. There might be more to it.
But this also doesn’t mean that every chipped tooth you have needs to undergo a ton of expensive dental work. Some small chips can be smoothed out or easily repaired with bonding, especially if it’s shallow, the tooth is healthy, and there’s no sensitivity or cracking.
Bonding is a good fix for minor or smaller chips because the process can restore the tooth’s shape, smooth out those rough edges, and keep the area from irritating your tongue or cheek.
It’s a simple option for minor front tooth chips or small cosmetic concerns. The dentist will still want to check out your tooth first to make sure the damage is only at the surface.
There are times when you shouldn’t put your chipped tooth on the back burner. Schedule a visit with your dentist if the tooth starts feeling sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets. Pain when you bite down is another red flag. Chips that keep getting bigger, have sharp edges, or show up near old fillings might also need more than just a quick polish. These can all be signs that the tooth has weakened.
Sometimes, you’ll find that a dental crown might be the right move for your chipped tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth when the rest of its structure might be weak, cracked, or at risk of breaking even more.
At Logan Peak Dental, same-day CEREC crowns can often be made right in the office. That means you may be able to repair and protect the tooth without having to wait weeks for a permanent crown.
Front tooth chips can change your smile more than you think. Even a small and uneven edge can catch the wrong light in photos or make your smile look worn down.
