Got a Chipped Tooth? Here’s Why You Should Fix It

When your tooth is fractured or broken, the fact that it needs to be fixed is usually obvious. Besides the damage to your tooth, the increasing pain or sensitivity can make it a priority that you have it restored as soon as possible. Yet, if your tooth just has a minor chip on its edge or chewing surface, then the damage might not be immediately noticeable, or it may seem like no big deal even if you do notice it. Nevertheless, ignoring the chipped tooth will only increase its risks of becoming even more substantially damaged.

It Isn’t Just Cosmetic
Most chipped teeth can be corrected with a cosmetic treatment such as tooth bonding or porcelain veneers. That’s because, when detected early, the chip may still be minor enough not to require a more extensive restoration, like a dental crown. However, the damage isn’t just cosmetic, and if you hesitate to treat it, then your tooth will eventually begin to affect other aspects of your oral health.

A Minor Chip to a Major Problem
Every time you bite and chew, your teeth are subjected to immense amounts of bite pressure. Normally, they can withstand this pressure just fine. However, if a tooth is chipped, then it isn’t as structurally sound as it used to be and the repetitive pressure from your bite can cause the damage to grow worse. In severe cases, what starts as a minor chip can progress into a severe fracture or completely broken tooth.

Fix Your Chipped Tooth Before It Gets Worse
Your chipped tooth may not seem like a big deal now, but if you wait to treat it, then it could become a much more serious problem for your oral health. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.