You’re enjoying a snack and accidentally bite down on something hard. Suddenly, you feel it. A chipped tooth. It might not hurt, and it may seem small, but don’t be fooled: even a minor chip in your tooth is a sign that something’s not right. And no, unfortunately, it won’t heal on its own.
Why Teeth Don’t Heal Themselves
Unlike bones, your teeth can’t regenerate once they’ve been damaged. Enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, doesn’t contain living cells—so it can’t repair itself. If your tooth is chipped, that damage is permanent until a dental professional steps in to restore it.
While the tooth may feel okay at first, small chips can grow into bigger problems. Left untreated, a chipped tooth can become more vulnerable to decay, increased sensitivity, and even infection. In some cases, the damage can extend into the inner layers of the tooth, affecting the nerve and requiring more extensive treatment like a root canal.
The Risks of Waiting
Ignoring a chipped tooth may seem like no big deal, especially if you’re not in pain. But over time, the sharp edges can irritate your tongue or cheeks, and the compromised structure of the tooth can make it more susceptible to breaking further. What starts as a small chip can turn into a cracked or broken tooth—often leading to more costly and invasive treatment.
Why You Should See Your Dentist Right Away
The good news? Most chipped teeth can be treated quickly and comfortably. Depending on the severity of the chip, your dentist may use dental bonding, a filling, or a crown to restore your tooth’s strength and appearance. In more serious cases, additional treatment may be needed—but the sooner you address the issue, the simpler the fix is likely to be.
Seeing your dentist promptly after chipping a tooth can help preserve your oral health, protect your smile, and prevent more serious issues from developing.
About The Practice
Say goodbye to dental anxiety and embrace total health and wellness at The Dental Spa of New York. Located in Brooklyn between 6th and 7th street, Dr. Frank J. Sapienza, DDS, and team provide a stress-free dental experience like no other. Enjoy aromatherapy in the form of fresh baked treats and warm lemon-scented towels. We provide massage chairs, blankets & pillows, and all the luxuries of a spa-like experience with state-of-the-art dental care. Whether you’ve come to us for a routine cleaning or a dental emergency, you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile.
Reach out to us at or request an appointment online. We’ll save you a chair!