Many people, because of fear, money, or lack of time, decide not to visit the dentist when they get a cavity, crack a tooth, chip a crown, or lose a filling. Often, people only go to the dentist when they feel pain. If it doesn’t hurt, they think they can wait until it’s more convenient. But waiting is not a good idea!

If a tooth chips or a filling falls out, it usually means there’s already a problem. Fillings often fall out because the tooth underneath has started to decay again. A chip or crack may mean the tooth has a fracture. These problems might not hurt right away — maybe because of your pain tolerance or because the damage is in an area with fewer nerves. But just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

Whenever something happens to your tooth, it’s always best to see your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist can find out what’s wrong and fix it early. Early treatment usually costs less, hurts less, and gives your tooth a better chance of staying healthy. At the very least, let your dentist check and tell you if it’s okay to wait. Dentists know how to find problems and understand how they can get worse. Since you can’t see inside your own teeth, it’s always safer to get an expert’s opinion.

Remember this: “Cavities are like cancer — when they hurt, it’s often too late.”

Think about this: If you lose a filling and feel no pain, you might still have hidden decay. Fixing it early is quick and inexpensive. But if you wait until it hurts, the decay might reach the nerve. Then you might need a root canal, a crown, or even lose the tooth and need an implant or bridge. That costs much more money, time, and pain than fixing a small problem early.

So please, don’t wait! If something happens to your tooth — even if it doesn’t hurt — call your dentist and make an appointment. Your teeth will thank you for it!