A chipped tooth is an unfortunate reality for many people. Some individuals simply shrug it off because the chip looks small, and they feel no pain. Watch out though, because even tiny chips can matter more than people think!
Small Chip, Big Impact
Teeth function like team players. Every surface and edge acts as a guard for the tooth next to it. When a piece of your tooth breaks off, the balance in your mouth is disrupted both in appearance and in your bite.
Individual teeth also rely on their full shape for strength. When a piece breaks off, the tooth loses a bit of that strength, and the area becomes more vulnerable. The broken area of the tooth may attract more food remnants, plaque, and bacteria. When this happens, your tiny chip can turn into:
- A rough edge that scrapes your tongue or cheek
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets
- A crack that grows over time
- Early tooth decay
A small chip usually changes, grows, and creates bigger problems if ignored.
Prompt Care is Best
A chipped tooth usually turns out best when it gets attention right away. Early on, the fix is simple: smoothing the tooth’s rough edge, and possibly adding the same bonding material that is used with fillings. For more extreme chips that don’t penetrate the enamel, designing and installing a dental veneer protects and strengthens the tooth. All of these solutions also make your tooth look a lot better, in some cases even better than the original.
Your Smile Deserves Strong Support
A chipped tooth may feel like a small inconvenience, but your smile works best when every tooth stays strong, smooth, and protected. The Yuba City Dentistry Group is a full-service dental office that is proud to provide exceptional care for all our patients in Yuba City, Marysville, and surrounding areas. Give us a call! And if you suffer a dental emergency, we are here for you at any time of the day or night.
