Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth happen to everyone, whether that’s from a hard object you bit down on, falling, or during sports. Although it may seem minor, just a tooth! Even a small crack can lead to pain and sensitivity, and potentially infection if you don’t address it. In the case that you are wondering what to do, a trusted dental clinic in Hamilton will explain how to manage through the available options for your smile.
So what do you do if you’ve broken a tooth? Let’s discuss some simple, effective treatments to get your tooth back while also bringing back your confidence.
What Should You Do First If You Break or Chip a Tooth?
- Gently rinse with warm water to clean the area.
- If you have swelling, you can apply a cold compress.
- Try to save any pieces of tooth (if possible)
- Avoid chewing with that side
- See a dentist at your earliest opportunity; the sooner the care, the sooner the outcome will be better.
How to Fix Broken Teeth Safely and Quickly?
With most cracks or chips, your dentist will inform you of how they recommend treating your broken tooth based on the size of the crack or chip. Here are some treatments your dentist may recommend:
Dental bonding:
For smaller chips, dental bonding is simple, fast, and efficient. The dentist uses a tooth-coloured resin to reshape and repair the missing area. It is aesthetically natural and typically only takes one visit.
Dental veneers:
Thin shells called veneers are applied to the front of teeth. Veneers work well if your tooth is mostly intact except for a cosmetic defect like a chip or surface crack. Additionally, veneers let you improve your smile’s overall appearance.
Root canal:
If the crack or break has extended to the tooth’s pulp (inner nerve), you should expect pain sensations and often sensitivity afterwards as well. If you have a tooth pulp with a cracked and broken tooth, a root canal will provide an option for cleaning up the interior of the tooth to manage pain, as it saves your tooth from extraction.
What Is the Right Treatment for Broken Teeth?
Not all broken teeth are the same. Your dentist will suggest a plan depending on how deep or serious the damage is.
- Minor Chips: Usually repaired with dental bonding or reshaping.
- Moderate Damage: May need a filling, veneer, or a dental crown in Hamilton to protect the tooth.
- Severe Breaks or Cracks: If the damage is below the gum line, a root canal or even an extraction might be necessary.
Why Is It Important to Treat a Cracked or Chipped Tooth?
- Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, a crack or chip can weaken the tooth.
- Bacteria and food can enter the crack and lead to infection or decay.
- Untreated damage can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.
- Fixing it quickly helps protect your bite, speech, and smile.
When Should You Visit a Dental Clinic Nearby?
Don’t wait if you observe any of the following:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
- A piece of your tooth is missing.
- Your tooth feels sharp to the tongue.
Even if you’re not in pain, it’s always smart to get checked. Visiting a dental clinic near you can help catch issues early and make treatment easier and more effective.
Keep Your Smile Strong With Garth Dental
Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth can feel stressful, but help is right around the corner. At Garth Dental, our friendly team is here to guide you through every step, from your first visit to your final smile. Whether it’s bonding, a crown, or any other treatment, we’ll help you feel comfortable and confident again.
Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Reach out to Garth Dental today and book your visit. Your healthy, complete smile starts here!