While you are chewing on ice or hard candy, you suddenly become aware of something hard in your mouth that does not dissolve or melt. A sense of sick feeling overwhelms you as you come to realize it is a piece of your broken tooth.
Even though dental enamel is the most robust and mineralized tissue in the body, its strength does have limitations. Instances like falling, biting down on hard objects, or receiving a blow to your face, especially when a tooth already has some decay, can result in the chipping or breaking of a tooth. If you find yourself in such a situation, there is no need to panic. Your dentist can do many things to fix it.
Many factors can lead to a tooth break. Falling on your face, receiving a blow or impact to the face, using your teeth to open packaging (though dentists advise against it, many still do), or biting down on hard objects, you may chip or break a tooth.
A broken tooth can come as a result of various causes, from injuries such as a blow to the face or a fall to something less dramatic like biting down on an ice cube, hard candy, or other rigid food, or perhaps even teeth grinding during sleep.
If you are part of contact sports such as football or hockey, it is important to always wear a mouthguard. Furthermore, you should refrain from biting down directly on ice or hard candy. Teeth should never be only used for chewing food and not holding objects, tearing open packaging like snack bags or other similar items, or opening bottles.
Moreover, do note that if you have previously broken or chipped a tooth, that tooth will become more prone to future breakage, even after it has been repaired. Therefore, extra care for that specific tooth is crucial.
Tooth decay, including cavities, can weaken tooth enamel, and so can conditions like heartburn or acid reflux, as well as eating sugary or acidic foods such as coffee, fruits, fruit juices, and spicy foods. Acidic foods and stomach acids can erode the enamel, leaving the tooth’s surface exposed to chipping or breaking.
Individuals over the age of fifty are also more at risk for chipped or broken teeth, as the tooth enamel tends to weaken with age.
Determining whether or not you have a broken or chipped tooth is often quite evident- there is a missing piece of your tooth and the broken area will typically feel jagged or sharp. Pain is also common. You can use your tongue or finger to feel the suspected broken spot on your tooth. The surrounding area may be extra sensitive to hot or cold. If you think you have broken a tooth, contact your dentist promptly to schedule a broken or chipped tooth repair.
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. However, there may be a waiting period of a day or even several days, before you are able to secure an appointment. During this time, rinse your mouth with water, use dental floss to get rid of any food particles that may irritate the area, and use dental wax or temporary bonding material to cover the jagged edges of the wound from further irritating your mouth. These materials can be picked up at local drug stores or pharmacies.
The treatment for a broken tooth depends on the severity of the chip or break. For minor chips, bonding or veneers are sufficient. Nevertheless, in cases where the damage is more severe, dental crowns or caps may be necessary. As previously stated, depending on the severity of the break, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment option, which may sometimes be a root canal.
Bonding is a common method for repairing small or less complicated chips or broken teeth. When bonding a chipped tooth, a composite material is molded over the chip and the healthy area of the tooth. Firstly, the dentist will roughen up the remaining enamel to ensure proper attachment of the composite. Then, he/she will shape the bond to create a natural-looking cover over the chipped region. Finally, blue light is used to harden the material and set the bonding in place. With proper care, bonds can last for approximately ten years.
In cases of more severe damage or chips, veneers or dental implants are required. Veneers involve the placement of porcelain covers over the front teeth, resulting in a smooth natural look that mimics- or looks even better- than the original teeth. An experienced cosmetic dentist can apply one veneer to the broken tooth or multiple veneers at a time to create a cohesive look and a beautiful smile. Veneers can also be the ideal choice to repair a previously chip[ed pr broken bonded tooth, and they have a lifespan of ten to twenty years.
Dental caps, similar to veneers, are porcelain covers for teeth. However, differently from veneers that only cover the front part or the visible part of the tooth, crowns are designed to cover the entire tooth. Generally, dental crowns are considered the most suitable option when a broken tooth or crack causes significant tooth damage. Crowns can effectively repair a broken tooth, and prevent further damage, tooth decay, and pain caused by exposed nerves. The process of getting a dental crown usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office- the first to take a mold or an impression of the tooth and create a custom crown and the second to cement it in place. A temporary crown may be placed to protect the broken tooth.
Dental fillings are a commonly used technique to repair broken teeth or cavities, particularly if it is chipped molars or back teeth that are less visible. While metal fillings used to be a very popular choice back in the day, there are now newer materials available, such as porcelain, that closely mimic the appearance and texture of natural teeth.
If the majority of your tooth has broken off, but the roof is still intact, your dentist may advise a root canal treatment. This procedure involves placing a pin or post inside the tooth’s canal to rebuild its structure. This enables the placement of a temporary crown initially, followed by a permanent crown that will be cemented over the post to restore your smile.
While a chipped front tooth may look like a bigger problem due to its visibility, a chipped or broken molar tooth or back tooth can be equally painful and problematic.
Not only does a chipped front tooth cause pain, but it can also be aesthetically unpleasant. In the case of a chipped front tooth or incisor, or any other visible tooth, your dentist may recommend dental bonding, veneers, or even dental crowns, depending on the severity of the break.
Despite not being as visible as chipped front teeth, broken molars can cause just as much pain and difficulty. Repairing a cracked tooth or broken molar involves the use of fillings and the second lower molar is particularly more prone to chipping because it undergoes more pressure when you are chewing.
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, you should seek immediate dental care to fix the issue. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to minimize pain and reduce the risk of additional harm to the tooth until you can see a dentist.
Temporary dental filling material, dental wax, a tea bag, or sugar-free gum, can all be used to cover the jagged edge of the tooth for protecting your gums and tongue from cuts or scrapes. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. And you can always use ice to apply it to the outside of your face or cheek to reduce inflammation.
Additionally, using clove oil around the painful areas of your gums can aid in numbing the region around the chipped tooth.
If you have chipped a tooth or have a broken front tooth, you should continue practicing good oral hygiene by flossing your other teeth, to remove any food particles caught between your teeth, which can add even more pressure on the broken tooth. It is advisable to avoid using the chipped tooth for chewing until it is fixed and opt for soft foods. If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, make sure to wear a protective mouth guard that can provide added protection to your teeth.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist, as soon as possible, one who fixes teeth, enhances your smile, and eases any discomfort you may be going through. Have no fear- a chipped or broken tooth can oftentimes be much easier to repair than you think, and it will result in a better-looking smile, once the treatment is over with.
Even a minor chip in a tooth can result in pain, discomfort, make it hard to eat, and increase the risk of tooth decay. And a severely broken tooth may lead to complications such as a tooth infection, which could result in tooth loss.
Therefore, no matter the impact of your damaged tooth, contact our clinic to explain your situation, and our team will help you schedule a same-day appointment to provide the dental care you need.
