Our teeth are really strong, but with the many stresses and strains that they have to endure, they can chip, crack or break.
Common cause of these breaks can include:
– Eating something hard
– Facial trauma following an accident
– Damage from sports
– Untreated cavities can cause a tooth to become brittle and break
– Old, large amalgam fillings, where the remaining structure of the natural tooth can become brittle over a period of time
Broken teeth may not necessarily cause immediate pain. If the break has travelled to the nerve, you might experience occasional discomfort when chewing, for example, or sensitivity to hot and cold.
If you think you have a cracked or chipped tooth you should see a dentist as soon as possible, even if you think the damage is minimal. Your dentist will assess the severity of the damage and explain your options for treatment. The problem could worsen if left untreated and could result in damage to the tooth’s nerve, or even the loss of the tooth.
If you’ve suffered a dental injury, it’s important to get help straight away. See our dental emergencies page for further information.
In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and hold an ice pack, wrapped in a clean towel, to the affected area. If part of your tooth has broken off, keep it either in your mouth or in a pot of milk until you get to your dentist, as they may be able to reattach it.
If left untreated, cracks and chips can lead to further problems. Depending on the severity of the damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Fillings – Fillings can be used to fill the gaps caused by a crack. Your dentist can also smooth the edge of a chipped tooth with a tooth-coloured filling.
Dental Crowns – A crown may be placed over the top of a chipped or cracked tooth.
Dental Veneers – Veneers can also be used to cover a cracked or chipped tooth, depending on how much of the tooth is still intact.
Composite bonding – Composite bonding is a non-invasive way to restore teeth. Unlike crowns or veneers, composite bonding doesn’t require any of the healthy parts of the tooth to be removed during treatment.
Root canal treatment – If the blood vessels and pulp inside the tooth have become damaged, you may need root canal treatment.
If you have a broken, cracked or chipped tooth, or a small gap you’re unhappy with, schedule a consultation with Dr. Matteo Bignamini, General & Cosmetic Dentist DDS (Italy)
to discuss he different options available to restore the appearance of your teeth, and protect them for the future.