What Can Happen If You Ignore a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth might seem like a minor nuisance—especially if it’s small or doesn’t cause immediate pain. But don’t be fooled. Ignoring even the tiniest dental fracture can lead to serious oral health problems, and in some cases, irreversible damage.

At his Marietta practice, Dr. Wayne Suway has helped countless patients repair chipped, cracked, or broken teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking solutions. As a leading expert in restorative and implant dentistry, Dr. Suway encourages patients not to dismiss these common but often underestimated dental injuries.

Chipped Teeth: More Than a Cosmetic Problem

Teeth can chip for many reasons—biting down on hard food, grinding during sleep, sports injuries, or even aging dental work. The issue may appear cosmetic at first glance, but underneath the surface, your tooth may be vulnerable to deeper damage.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, chipped teeth are among the most common dental injuries—and they often go untreated.

Let’s take a closer look at what can happen if you delay or avoid treatment.

1. Tooth Sensitivity and Pain

Even a small chip can expose the inner layers of your tooth—especially the dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerve. As a result, you may experience:

• Sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Discomfort when breathing in cool air
• Sudden zaps of pain when chewing

Left untreated, the sensitivity can worsen as the chip expands or bacteria invade the exposed area.

2. Risk of Infection or Decay

When a chipped tooth is not sealed or repaired, bacteria can penetrate the enamel and reach the soft inner tissue (pulp) of the tooth. This often leads to infection, abscess formation, or the need for root canal therapy.

Infections in the mouth don’t always stay localized. In severe cases, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues or even enter the bloodstream, causing systemic issues.

“Prompt treatment of a chipped tooth isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about preventing preventable pain, decay, and costly procedures later,” explains Dr. Suway.

3. Worsening of the Chip Over Time

A small chip weakens the structure of your tooth. With continued use (chewing, biting, grinding), that chip can grow—leading to a full crack or tooth fracture. Once a tooth is fractured below the gum line, it often cannot be saved and must be extracted.

What starts as a quick, conservative fix (like dental bonding or a veneer) could escalate to needing a crown, root canal, or even a dental implant if the tooth is lost.

4. Injury to Surrounding Structures

A jagged or chipped tooth can cut into the soft tissues of your mouth. You may develop irritation, ulcers, or injuries on the inside of your cheek, tongue, or lips—especially during sleep or while eating.

In patients who grind or clench their teeth (known as bruxism), a sharp tooth edge can also cause accelerated wear on opposing teeth, leading to further dental issues.

5. Cosmetic Concerns and Self-Confidence

Even if your chipped tooth isn’t painful, it can still impact your appearance and self-esteem. A visible chip—especially in the front teeth—can make people hesitant to smile or speak confidently.

Dr. Suway offers advanced solutions that restore both function and aesthetics, helping patients regain their smiles with natural-looking materials that blend seamlessly with the rest of their teeth.

How Dr. Suway Treats Chipped Teeth in Marietta

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the chip. Some of the most common solutions include:

• Dental Bonding A tooth-colored composite resin is used to fill and reshape minor chips
• Porcelain Veneers Thin, custom shells that cover the front of a damaged tooth
• Dental Crowns Full coverage caps used for deeper fractures or weakened teeth
• Root Canal Therapy Required if the chip has reached the pulp and caused infection
• Dental Implants In cases where the tooth cannot be saved and must be replaced

Dr. Suway is known across Marietta and North Atlanta for his meticulous attention to detail and advanced restorative care. Whether your chip is fresh or months old, he will recommend a personalized solution to preserve your oral health and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Teeth

• Can I wait to fix a chipped tooth if it doesn’t hurt? No. Even painless chips can lead to infection, worsening cracks, or long-term damage. Early treatment prevents complications and saves you money.
• What if I chipped a tooth years ago and never had it fixed? It’s not too late. Dr. Suway can assess the current condition and recommend an appropriate restoration, even if the tooth has changed over time.
• Will insurance cover chipped tooth repair? Most dental insurance plans cover restorative procedures, especially when medically necessary. Our office can help check your benefits.
• Can a chipped tooth repair last long-term? Yes. With modern materials and techniques, repairs like bonding, veneers, or crowns can last for many years with proper care.
• Should I go to the emergency room for a chipped tooth? Unless you’re bleeding heavily or experiencing facial trauma, it’s best to contact a dentist like Dr. Suway directly for appropriate and timely care.

Protect Your Smile—Don’t Ignore a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth may not seem urgent, but it can lead to pain, infection, and expensive repairs down the road. Whether it happened yesterday or months ago, Dr. Wayne Suway can restore your tooth with precision and compassion right here in Marietta, GA.

With over 30 years of experience in implant and restorative dentistry, Dr. Suway is trusted by patients throughout Cobb County and beyond for his advanced skills and caring approach.

Contact our Marietta dental office today to schedule your evaluation—and give your smile the care it deserves.