Do I Need to Get a Chipped Tooth Fixed?

If you’ve recently chipped a tooth, you might be wondering if it really needs attention, especially if it doesn’t hurt. But even a small chip can lead to serious dental issues over time, including tooth decay, infection, and structural damage. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we treat chipped and broken teeth every day and know how important it is to act quickly, even if it seems minor.

A Chipped Tooth Might Be More Serious Than It Looks

Tooth enamel is strong, but it’s not indestructible. Biting something hard, a fall, or an accident can easily cause a tooth to chip. While some chips may only affect the outer enamel layer, others can expose deeper layers of the tooth, including the dentin or even the nerve pulp. When left untreated, this can lead to sensitivity, decay, or even infection requiring a root canal or extraction.

In Sacramento’s active community, whether you’re biking along the American River Trail or enjoying sports at McKinley Park, accidental injuries happen. Knowing when to seek prompt dental care can make all the difference.

Risks of Ignoring a Chipped Tooth

Even if a chipped tooth doesn’t cause immediate pain, it can still:

• Trap bacteria in rough or broken areas
• Create sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheeks
• Lead to worsening fractures under normal chewing pressure
• Expose the inner tooth to decay or infection
• Affect your bite or cause jaw strain over time

According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than five million teeth are knocked out or broken each year, and many of those could be saved with early treatment.

Common Treatments for Chipped Teeth

At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we offer fast and effective solutions based on the severity of your chip:

• Dental bonding for small chips or cracks
• Tooth-colored fillings to restore structure
• Porcelain veneers for cosmetic repair of front teeth
• Dental crowns for larger breaks or damaged molars
• Root canal therapy if the nerve is exposed or infected

We provide same-day emergency care for residents in Sacramento and surrounding areas, so you don’t have to wait to fix a damaged tooth.

When to See a Dentist Immediately

You should seek emergency dental care if:

• You feel pain or sensitivity in the chipped tooth
• The chip is large or exposes the inner tooth
• You have swelling or signs of infection near the tooth or gums
• The tooth feels loose or sharp
• It’s affecting how you eat or speak

Delaying care can lead to more complex and costly treatments later. Our Sacramento office is ready to help with same-day appointments and expert, compassionate care.

Fix It Now, Smile Later

A chipped tooth might not seem urgent, but even small damage can have long-term consequences. At Sacramento Emergency Dentist, we’re here to help you protect your smile with affordable, effective treatment options—right when you need them.

Call or visit us today to schedule an emergency exam and get the fast relief your smile deserves.