Cracked, Chipped, or Broken: Restoring Your Damaged Tooth

While the enamel on our teeth can be incredibly resilient, many things can still cause a tooth to chip. These include the following:

• You may experience tooth chipping after taking a bad fall.
• Large dental fillings that weaken because of everyday wear and tear.
• Biting hard foods such as ice and candy.
• Having tooth decay that weakens the enamel.
• Bruxism or teeth grinding weakens teeth, making them more prone to chipping.
• Contact sports can also cause tooth chips if you don’t use a mouthguard to protect your teeth in the event of an accident.
• Sign of ageing, with many tooth cracks happening at age 50 and older.

A cracked tooth can often be spotted by your dentist easily since it will alter the appearance of the affected tooth. Here are some signs you should keep an eye out for:

• One of the common signs of a chipped tooth is a jagged edge along the surface, although not always visible. When you run your tongue over this edge, it may feel sharp.
• Sensitivity to consuming sweet foods.
• Pain and tenderness around the tooth.
• Dental sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures when consuming food and drinks.
• Discolouration or darkening of the affected tooth.

In case you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it is vital to seek help from your dentist as soon as possible so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Having a cracked tooth may not seem like a significant problem, but it can be an important indicator of possible infection. If the chip causes any pain beyond a dull ache, changes in colour, or becomes sensitive to heat, you could have damage to the pulp of your tooth and a resulting infection that can compromise dental health.

To reduce your chances of having a chipped tooth, we’ve compiled valuable tips to help you maintain a flawless smile and a great oral health condition:

Stop using your teeth as a tool.

One important thing to remember is to refrain from using your teeth as a tool, even if it’s something small, like removing a tag from a piece of clothing or opening a bottle. You may think nothing of it, but these types of activities put unnecessary strain on your teeth, leading to chips or fractures over time.

Watch what you eat.

Another good way to prevent chipped teeth is by being mindful of what you eat. Hard foods, such as raw carrots or nuts, can put extra pressure on your teeth and cause them to chip. Whenever possible, try cutting these kinds of foods into smaller pieces before eating them, and avoid anything that might require too much chewing.

Wear a mouthguard.

If you grind your teeth at night or participate in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard should be an essential part of protecting yourself from chips or other dental issues. Talk with your dentist about which type of mouthguard will work for you.

Visit your dentist regularly.

It is recommended that you schedule dental appointments at least twice per year to get regular check-ups and cleanings. Not only does this help maintain optimal oral health, but it also gives your dentist a chance to identify any potential problems with your teeth before they become severe issues down the road.

Maintain optimal oral health.

Maintain regular brushing and flossing habits to prevent plaque buildup and cavities in between dental visits. This will help keep your smile in great condition while preventing future dental issues, such as chips or fractures caused by weakened enamel over time.

Recovering from a chipped tooth can be a relatively quick process, depending on the severity of the chip and the treatment. If it was a smaller chip detected early, your dentist might have opted for a crown or bonding; in that case, you should be back to normal within a day.

However, more extensive fractures can take longer and require additional treatments, such as root canal therapy. In this case, it might take a few days to heal properly. Our team of experienced dentists will work with you to determine the right course of action for your specific case, resulting in an efficient recovery.

From unsightly cracks to uncomfortable and sharp edges, a chipped tooth can create a wide range of problems with your smile. This minor dental issue may lead to sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, cuts in your tongue or cheeks from jagged edges, difficulty with biting, and jaw issues.

In addition, a broken tooth even puts the affected tooth at risk of decay and infection. To restore the health and beauty of your smile, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

Yes, you can still eat and drink normally with a chipped tooth. However, you should be careful of the foods that you’re consuming. Avoid crunchy or hard-to-chew textures and go for softer options like mashed potatoes.

If your tooth is exposed at all, try to avoid acidic or sugary drinks, as they can cause further damage or sensitivity. Additionally, try not to bite directly on the chip or chew food too close to it when eating to avoid putting too much pressure on the broken tooth.

Addressing a chipped tooth can come with various costs depending on how complex your case is, the number of teeth that need to be managed, what treatment option you choose, the material used, and the location of the dental clinic.

The cost of dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. On the other hand, if you’re considering dental crowns, you can expect prices to start at $1,600 to $2,000 per tooth. Dental veneers can also vary based on materials. Porcelain veneers usually cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth, while composite veneers are more affordable, ranging from $400 to $800 per tooth.

We highly suggest scheduling an appointment with us at VDentist Perth for an accurate price quote based on your oral health condition. Our team will be happy to assist you and design a treatment plan that matches your dental needs and goals.

If you have chipped your tooth, you should visit your dentist for professional help. In the meantime, there are some self-care measures you can take to manage any pain and prevent further damage:

• Get some over-the-counter pain relief to help with any discomfort.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Apply cold compresses to the outside area every few minutes to reduce swelling.
• To avoid accidentally cutting your tongue or the inside of your cheek on jagged edges, cover them with dental wax or sugarless gum.
• You should also stick to soft foods, avoiding biting down on the broken area.