Does one tooth look a little off all of a sudden? Did you notice a strange feeling when you bit into a hard treat the other day? Does your tongue keep catching on a jagged edge? You might have chipped your tooth.
Sonterra Dental’s cosmetic dentist in San Antonio, TX, offers several options for repairing a chipped tooth, but you may require more than superficial care. Get to know the types of chipped teeth, warning signs of a bigger issue, and treatment options we offer.
What Is a Chipped Tooth?
Some people use “chipped,” “cracked,” “broken,” and “fractured” interchangeably. When our cosmetic dentists in San Antonio, TX, call a tooth “chipped,” we mean a piece of your tooth enamel has broken off, leaving a jagged edge. This can happen to anyone at any time. Common causes include biting down on something hard, trauma from an accident, grinding your teeth at night, or natural wear and tear as you age.
The severity of a chipped tooth can vary. It might just affect the enamel, or it could reach deeper layers, exposing sensitive nerves. Depending on the extent of the damage, the urgency and type of treatment can differ.
Signs of a Chipped Tooth and What They Mean
The most obvious, of course, is the actual chip. It might be visible to the naked eye, or you might only feel it as a rough or sharp edge that wasn’t there before. The team at Sonterra Dental can confirm that you chipped your tooth and the extent of the damage with our advanced dental technology.
Besides the visible damage, you might experience:
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods
- Discomfort or Pain When Chewing
- Tongue Irritation from the Edge
These are signs you need treatment, and some, like temperature sensitivity and pain, are signs you need more than a cosmetic repair. If left untreated, a chip that compromises the structure of your tooth can lead to more severe issues like infection or further breakage.
If Not Cosmetic Care, Then What?
Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. This includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and corrections for misaligned teeth. Our cosmetic dentist in San Antonio, TX, can repair a chip by covering it with a porcelain veneer.
However, chips that put your oral health at risk require restorative dentistry. While cosmetic procedures can overlap with restorative ones, the intent is what sets them apart. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to enhance aesthetics, whereas restorative work is about restoring function. Common repairs for more advanced chips are dental fillings and tooth crowns.
Benefits of Addressing a Chipped Tooth
Fixing a chipped tooth comes with some fantastic benefits that can enhance both your smile and your dental health. Our San Antonio, TX, cosmetic dentist can think of several reasons to consider pursuing treatment:
- Aesthetic Improvement: Repairing a chipped tooth can drastically enhance your smile. Whether through cosmetic or restorative care, we offer natural-looking solutions.
- Prevent Further Damage: Protect your tooth from additional harm by reinforcing its structure to minimize the risk of decay, infection, and spreading cracks.
- Enhanced Oral Comfort: Sharp edges can cause irritation, while misalignment may affect your bite. Repairs ensure your teeth work together harmoniously.
Don’t let a chipped tooth hold you back—consider treatment to enjoy these benefits and keep your smile shining bright.
Get a Fix for Your Chip
Never assume that a chip is nothing to worry about. Check with Sonterra Dental if anything is off about your smile. Our San Antonio, TX, cosmetic dentist can verify what type of care you need. Even if it is just a superficial chip, we can cover it up to return your smile to its original beauty. Book a consultation today and let our professionals guide you on your dental journey.
