What Can Happen After a Chipped Tooth: Decay and Sensitivity

A chipped tooth can result from a variety of accidents, including car accidents, contact sports, falling down, biting on hard foods, and grinding teeth at night. A chipped tooth is relatively simple to treat if prompt care is sought by the patient. However, teeth that are chipped and ignored for an extended amount of time carry the risk of severe complications.

The risks of an untreated chipped tooth

The most notable risks of leaving a chipped tooth untreated include tooth decay, sensitivity and pain, infection, and the loss of a tooth. Chips often cause functional and cosmetic concerns and oral health concerns, which may only worsen the longer that the issue is left untreated.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay results when bacteria and food particles (e.g., sugar and other carbohydrates) combine and create an acidic reaction that breaks down enamel and harms the underlying layers of teeth. Bacteria and food particles often attach to cracked teeth, and the underlying layers can decay faster than the enamel. Many who do not treat a chipped tooth often develop worsening dental decay.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can result anytime that the underlying layers of teeth and the roots of teeth are exposed. These underlying areas of teeth are closer to the nerves and blood vessels. If they are affected, it can result in a fair amount of discomfort in the form of aching pain and tooth sensitivity. While at-home remedies may temporarily help relieve the discomfort, the only way to properly address tooth sensitivity is through restorative dentistry services such as dental bonding, dental crowns, and porcelain veneers, along with other possible treatment solutions.

Tooth infection

Tooth infections result from a build-up of bacteria, which can result in cavities and areas where the tooth is chipped or cracked. An infection can lead to discomforting symptoms, such as sensitivity and pain, and it can put the long-term health of the tooth in serious jeopardy. The infection could also spread if not properly treated in a timely manner.

Tooth loss

The inevitable result of a chipped tooth that is not properly treated after an incident occurs is the loss of the tooth. This may happen quickly if the tooth is knocked loose in the socket, or it could result after years of worsening decay and infection.

Cosmetic concerns

One reason to have a chipped tooth promptly taken care of is the cosmetic concern that a chip causes, especially if the chip is on a tooth that is more visible. Dentists can use tooth-colored materials to repair chips on visible teeth.

Schedule a dental visit for chipped tooth treatment

If you have a chip, crack, or another form of a broken tooth, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation visit. During your first visit, we can assess the severity of the damage and provide a treatment recommendation to restore the health, function, and appearance of your damaged tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

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