Cracked or Chipped Tooth? What to Do and How Your Dentist Can Help
Whether you've bitten into something unexpectedly hard, suffered a sporting injury or noticed a small chip in your tooth, dental damage can happen when you least expect it.
A cracked or chipped tooth isn't always painful, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. Even minor damage can sometimes worsen over time, potentially affecting the health and appearance of your smile.
At Bridge Street Dental Surgery in Tadcaster, we understand how concerning a damaged tooth can be. Knowing what to do next can help protect your teeth and prevent further complications.
What Causes Teeth to Crack or Chip?
Our teeth are incredibly strong, but they're not indestructible.
Some of the most common causes of cracked or chipped teeth include:
Biting into hard foods such as ice, nuts or boiled sweets
Accidents, falls or sporting injuries
Grinding or clenching your teeth, particularly at night
Large fillings that leave less natural tooth structure
General wear and tear over time
Untreated tooth decay that weakens the tooth
Sometimes, a crack develops gradually without an obvious cause.
What Should You Do if You Chip a Tooth?
If you've chipped or cracked a tooth, the first step is to stay calm and assess the situation.
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove any debris. If you've broken off a piece of tooth, keep it in milk or saliva and take it to your dental appointment, as it may sometimes be possible to reattach it.
Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, particularly if the tooth feels sensitive or has a sharp edge.
If you're experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relief may help, provided it's suitable for you.
Contact your dentist promptly for advice, even if the damage appears minor. Severe pain, swelling or significant injury requires urgent assessment.
Composite Bonding
For smaller chips, composite bonding may be an option. Tooth-coloured resin is applied and shaped to restore the appearance of the damaged tooth.
Dental Crowns
If a tooth has lost a significant amount of structure, a dental crown may be recommended to help restore its strength and function.
Root Canal Treatment
When a crack extends into the inner tissues of a tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary to address inflammation or infection.
Tooth Extraction
In cases where a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be predictably restored, extraction may be required. Your dentist can discuss suitable replacement options where appropriate.
Can You Prevent Cracked Teeth?
Although accidents aren't always avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth to open packaging. If you play contact sports, consider wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard.
If you grind your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about whether a protective night guard could help.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental examinations can also help identify problems before they become more serious.
Cracked Tooth Repair in Tadcaster
A damaged tooth doesn't necessarily mean losing your smile. With timely professional advice, many cracked or chipped teeth can be treated effectively.
At Bridge Street Dental Surgery, we're here to help patients in Tadcaster understand their treatment options and look after their oral health.
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