Often, people consider small dental fractures to be nothing more than a cosmetic issue when there are serious consequences to damaging dental enamel. In addition to impacting your appearance, chipped or cracked teeth can also cause infections or even bone loss, putting the health of the entire tooth and jaw in jeopardy. Here are three oral health risks of having a chipped tooth, and why you should report the issue to your dentist immediately. 

How Tooth Fractures Can Harm Your Smile

1. Oral Lacerations

When teeth are fractured due to sudden impact or injury, they can develop sharp edges that can cause additional problems. If the lips or tongue rub against the broken tooth, it could cause lacerations with sudden bleeding or discomfort. If the cuts are deep enough, they may even require urgent medical intervention. For instance, if you have a chipped tooth and you experience a sudden force that makes you bite your cheek or lip, that sharp tooth could slice through your soft tissue in an instant, creating the need for stitches. 

2. Deeply Rooted Decay

Unfortunately, oral lacerations aren’t the only problem dental fractures cause. When the teeth are broken, oral bacteria has an easier path to get into the inside of the tooth, where it can cause swelling, pain, and serious infections. If you aren’t proactive about resolving chipped teeth early, it could cause infections deep enough to cause system-wide inflammation. 

3. Cracked Roots

Dental fractures can also compromise the structural integrity of the entire tooth, paving the way for cracked teeth. While surface or cusp cracks can be repaired by adding a crown, cracks that extend down the length of the root can only be resolved by extracting the tooth. However, dentists can restore your missing tooth by adding an implant or denture.

Dental emergencies happen, which is why the team at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, is available to help. Whether you are concerned about a recent dental emergency or you have a chipped tooth that has been bothering you for quite some time, this experienced father-son dental team can help you to overcome a wide range of oral health obstacles. To schedule an appointment at their Somerset office, send them a message online or call (606) 679-4450.