Chipped Your Tooth? 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Just Ignore It
If you’ve chipped your tooth, then you might be tempted to ignore it. Some chips are very small and easy to overlook. You might be worried about how expensive it can be. However, there are several crucial health reasons that you should not ignore your chipped tooth. Here are four of the most vital reasons and ways to help you deal with the situation.
It Might Be a Sign of Bigger Issues
Even small chips in your teeth may lead to bigger issues down the road. You should not leave it alone without at least bringing it up to your dentist or similar health professional. A chip in your tooth is causing a fracture in the structure of your tooth. This fracture weakens the strength of your tooth overall and can get worse over time. There’s a strong possibility that the fracture will get bigger and could lead to your tooth dying.
It’s Easier for Your Tooth to Decay
Your teeth aren’t just dead things in your mouth that help you chew food. Instead, teeth are composed of four different types of tissue that need to be protected and preserved. Teeth are among the hardest substances in the body. When your teeth are exposed from a chip, there is an opening in your enamel, and bacteria can more easily gather. This opening increases the likelihood that you could get a cavity.
Cosmetic Dentistry May Be Covered By Your Insurance
Of course, the first thing most people worry about is the cost of fixing a chipped tooth. Indeed, cosmetic dentistry is typically not covered by most insurance plans. However, it may cover cosmetic dentistry if your chip qualifies as a medical necessity. Because your chipped tooth could be covered, then that is just another reason you should immediately get it checked out.
Your Pulp Could Be Damaged
What caused the chip to your tooth may have also caused internal damage. This internal damage could range from mild to severe. It may mean that you need to get a root canal. The only way to check for internal damage this severe is to get an X-Ray. The possibility for internal damage is yet another reason that you should never ignore your chipped tooth.
Hopefully, these four reasons show exactly why going to the dentist after chipping your tooth is vital to your health. There is no reason to stress out because it is completely possible that the damage does not require any medical attention. However, it is always good to check to prevent future issues.