How a Root Canal Can Save Your Chipped Tooth

Typically, dentists perform a root canal on patients due to a severely damaged or diseased tooth. However, because dental professionals work hard to salvage patients’ natural teeth, this same procedure works well when someone chips a tooth. If you have a chip, even if it is small, do not ignore it. Instead, have your dentist look at it as soon as possible.

Do not ignore problems

It is important for people to never ignore what is considered a small issue with a tooth. What might start out as a minor problem can become a major deal if left untreated. Most concerning is the development of an infection. If that happens, a person could end up damaging multiple teeth as well as roots and nerves.

What happens with a root canal?

For this procedure, a dentist with extra training or an endodontist first numbs the gums around the tooth. The dental professional then drills a hole that allows them to reach the pulp inside. The next step entails removing the pulp along with any infected debris. Once finished, the dentist cleans and sanitizes the tooth. As the final step, the patient would likely receive a crown.

What about a chipped tooth?

Whether the chip happened because of an injury or as part of normal wear and tear, it is common for this to cause pain. Especially when eating or drinking something hot or cold. Pain also occurs when biting down on hard food. Usually, the pain is intermittent, but sometimes, it does not go away. As soon as someone begins to experience this, is it imperative for them to see a family dentist or an endodontist.

Additional causes

Along with the causes mentioned, teeth crack for a variety of other reasons. For instance, when someone develops a cavity, it can weaken the tooth. As a result, it becomes more prone to chipping. Even something as simple as biting down on a hard piece of candy can cause a tooth to chip. This is why as part of preventative care, dentists advise their patients to use caution when eating hard foods and even ice cubes.

Poor hygiene is another possible reason for a tooth to chip. As most people know, they should always brush and floss after every meal. However, if someone does not have a good oral routine, the teeth become weak. Again, that puts them at risk for chipping. This is particularly true for people who already have damaged or weakened teeth.

Treatment options

If the chip is quite small, there is a good chance the dentist can smooth it out and then polish the surface. For a medium chip in which the enamel experienced slight damage, the person might require a filling or crown. However, when the chip is significant, a root canal is what most dentists recommend. By doing this procedure, with or without a crown added, the patient does not have to have their natural tooth extracted.

Notify your dentist if something is wrong

As soon as you notice a chip in your tooth, contact your dentist. That way, you might be able to avoid having a root canal done. Even if you need this procedure, it is virtually painless. Within a few days of the treatment, you can eat whatever you want. A beautiful smile starts by taking proper care of your teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://fortleefamilydental.com or call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.

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