Broken, Chipped Tooth Treatment & Repair by Campbellford Dentist
Our teeth are powerful, but with many stresses and strains like crunching on a piece of candy or crunching ice, they tend to chip, crack, or break.
Broken teeth may cause immediate pain, however if the break has reached the nerve, you may experience discomfort when chewing or develop sensitivity to cold or hot drinks. You should visit your dentist to check your breaks and cracks as soon as possible to offer appropriate treatment.
What Causes Teeth To Break?
- Facial trauma after an accident
- Chewing hard substances
- Untreated cavities can cause teeth to be brittle and break
- Bruxism – the excessive grinding of teeth
- Poor hygiene –poor oral care can cause your teeth to crack or chip mostly when your enamel is damaged.
Treatment For Chipped And Broken Teeth
A visit to your dentist may save your tooth from more damage and infections – which may result in tooth loss.
The type of treatment you will receive from the dentist depends on the extent of the damage to your tooth. For chipped teeth, it will require some smoothing which is available for small, medium and large chips. If your teeth are badly broken extraction is mandatory.
When the break is minor, it will be filled or get a direct restoration. This method is used when the broken portion does affect the cusp of the tooth. However, when the cusp of your tooth is broken, the most effective treatment method is a crown.
Crowns cover the tooth to restore its normal functioning and appearance. Tops may be made of metal or porcelain and are ideal for teeth with large fillings, fractured teeth or discoloured teeth.
Sometimes, the break in the tooth is so massive that it may not be repaired. If this is the case, the tooth may be extracted and replaced. If you have a broken tooth, discuss all the available options with your dentist. They will access the extent of the chip or breakage and recommend you the best treatment for your tooth.
Initial Care: What You Should Do When You Break Your Tooth
If you cracked or chipped your tooth, follow these initial care steps before visiting your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply some pressure on the bleeding parts using a wet tea bag or gauze
- Rub your cheek with an icepack if there is any swelling
- If you are experiencing any pains, use over the counter painkillers
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
