A chipped or cracked tooth may not always seem like an emergency situation, especially if it is minor, and there may be cases when it isn’t. However, any exposure of the softer layers of your teeth underneath the enamel leaves you much more susceptible to cavities and tooth sensitivity. So, in today’s blog, your Conroe, TX, dentist will discuss the reasons that you should fix your chipped or cracked tooth.
Why Worry About a Little Chip?
When you chip or crack your tooth, it is typically because of an accident like a fall or from biting down on something hard (which we don’t recommend doing for this very reason). Of course, there could be an underlying issue, most likely a cavity, that caused some structural integrity which allowed your tooth to chip in this situation, which is reason enough to visit your dentist when it happens. However, a chip has also likely removed the enamel from part of your tooth, meaning that the more porous layers are exposed, which puts you at a very high risk for infections and cavities even if none were present to begin with. So, to make sure that your oral health is protected, you should treat a chipped or cracked tooth like a dental emergency and schedule a visit with your dentist right away.
What to Watch For
There are also side effects that may come along with a chipped or cracked tooth that you should be on the lookout for that would point to a bigger issue, such as:
- Any discoloration of your tooth or the area around your tooth, especially if your tooth begins to appear gray, yellow, or light brown (almost as though it is bruised), because this could mean that the nerve of your tooth has been damaged, which could lead to the death of your tooth and the need for extraction.
- Any pain or sensitivity from the affected tooth, as this could mean that the nerves within your tooth have been exposed, which can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous for the health of your tooth.
In any case, but especially if you are experiencing these side effects, you should treat your tooth injury as though you are in the worst case scenario by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe to schedule an emergency appointment so that we can assess the damage and treat your tooth to keep it from getting worse.
Call Us to Keep Your Smile Healthy
If you crack or chip your tooth, or experience any other kind of dental emergency, we are here for you. Dr. Richards is committed to helping you bounce back after dental issues arise, and uses innovative technology to make that process even quicker. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, schedule a visit with the Dental Centre of Conroe by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, TX, and the neighboring communities.
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