When your child comes home with a dental injury such as a chipped tooth, it might be tempting to simply shrug it off. After all, if they aren’t complaining about pain, is it really something to worry about, and won’t it simply heal on its own like a scrape or bruise? Unfortunately, teeth do not work that way at all! A chipped tooth will not repair itself, and putting off a visit to the dentist can turn a minor problem into a painful and more costly one. Here’s what you need to know.
Can a Chipped Tooth Heal Itself?
Unlike skin or bone, tooth enamel contains no living cells, which means that once a piece breaks off, your body can’t grow it back. While it’s true that saliva helps strengthen enamel against everyday wear and microscopic damage, it can’t rebuild a missing chunk of tooth. The chip may stop feeling sharp or sensitive after a few days, and your child may not even complain about it, but that doesn’t mean the tooth has healed. It simply means the damage is still there, waiting to cause trouble!
Why Do Chipped Teeth Need Prompt Attention?
Chipped teeth are actually quite vulnerable, and all kinds of issues can pop up if you don’t bring your child to their dentist for help:
- Exposed dentin, which is the layer beneath the enamel, is much more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
- If the chip is deep enough to reach the nerve, bacteria can cause a serious infection that may even lead to an abscess.
- A weakened tooth is more likely to crack or break again, even to the point where it can’t be repaired.
- Teeth with sharp edges can scratch your child’s tongue, lips, and cheek and cause discomfort.
Whether your child’s chipped tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent one, whether the chip is large or small, and whether the chip causes pain or not, it’s worth scheduling an appointment!
How Are Chipped Teeth Treated?
Treating a chipped tooth is usually very simple and straightforward, but it does depend on the size and location of the chip. For small ones, dental bonding is usually the best solution, as it’s fast, painless, and relatively cheap. It involves using a composite resin that’s perfectly safe for teeth to rebuild the tooth and seal it from bacteria. It’s very similar to getting a filling for a cavity. In rare cases or for larger injuries, a different solution may be needed—but it will be discussed with you after your child’s dentist has had the chance to take a look.
The bottom line is, chipped teeth are easily treatable and don’t always seem serious, but they do warrant quick care before things have the chance to worsen.
About the Practice
Our team here at Bloom Pediatric Dentistry has served families in Murphy and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for kids of all ages, from routine preventive care to same-day emergency care. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, you can call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (469) 972-0054.