Whether caused by facial trauma or biting into something too hard, a chipped tooth can dramatically change the look of your smile. But if the damage isn’t that noticeable or not causing a toothache, you might wonder why it’s important to fix the tooth at all. Chipped teeth, however, can leave your oral health exposed to a lot more problems than cosmetic ones. If you’re facing this dental issue, here’s why it’s important to talk to a dentist as soon as possible.   

Why Should You Treat a Chipped Tooth?

Regardless of the size of the chip, any amount of enamel loss can impair the structural integrity of the tooth. This missing material can leave your tooth vulnerable to further damage such as deep cracking that may require more in-depth and costly treatment.

A chipped tooth also carries many of the same risks of a cavity. Specifically, enamel damage can increase the risk of discoloration, further decay, and eventual infection. In the event of an infection, you may require a root canal or complete extraction.

In other cases, chips can expose sensitive nerves and tissues in teeth. While the level of pain can fluctuate, you shouldn’t expect the toothache to disappear without treatment from a dentist.  

How Do Dentists Treat Chipped Teeth?

The best type of treatment for a chipped tooth will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage. Small chips can usually be restored by bonding composite resin to the affected area in a way that’s similar to filling a cavity. If the nerve is damaged, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to prevent further infection and stop the toothache. Often, dental crowns are used after a root canal to restore the structural integrity of the tooth.

If you need immediate care for a chipped tooth in the Augusta County area, turn to the trusted services of Lisa Tatum, DDS in Waynesboro, VA. Dr. Tatum can diagnose and repair structural damage to relieve toothaches, protect against infection, and restore the shape of the tooth, and she and her staff are dedicated to doing so in a comfortable relaxing environment for their patients. Visit this family dentistry clinic online to learn more about the ways these specialists can protect your smile. For appointments, call (540) 943-0973.