Cracked or Chipped Tooth: What to Do Immediately
Your tooth is broken, chipped, or knocked out. Now what? It is essential to contact a cosmetic dentistry clinic to book an appointment, regardless of whether the chip is a minor or a large fracture. Teeth can crack or chip for multiple reasons. Therefore, they need immediate treatment without knowing the cause. Breaks and chips cannot be repaired; they may develop into more serious problems if overlooked. Also, there are various treatment options available.
Why Do Teeth Break or Chip?
Even though tooth enamel is hard, it can still chip or break. Teeth chips or breaks can happen for multiple reasons, such as:
- Injuries
- Tearing open packaging with your teeth
- Biting into ice chips or hard foods
- Grinding teeth at night
What to Do Right Away If Your Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked
So, you chipped your tooth? Getting an appointment with your dentist is an urgent thing to do. A quick solution to dental issues that concern aesthetic teeth will minimise the probability of other tooth issues and the need for more severe interventions like a dental implant, tooth removal, or even a root canal. Delaying the treatment of a chipped tooth too much can turn into a case of further cracking that requires the completion of a root canal. You may also have to wait a few or even many days before your appointment.
Taking Care of a Cracked Tooth Until Your Visit
In the event that you are suffering from a chipped or cracked tooth and the pain is giving you a hard time, have no doubt that you can take action to ensure all the necessary measures that we will share with you are safe for your health. The following methods will not only help you to get instant relief, but they will also protect the chipped tooth from further damage and prevent complications in the future. Your problem will be solved the moment you visit the dentist in Saskatoon, and you will find that a variety of tooth repair options, like the replacement of the tooth with a porcelain veneer, are available if it is still the same day as your appointment.
Temporarily Handling Jagged Edges
Cracks and chips can form rough edges that are extremely sharp. Your tongue or gums could easily get cut or irritated by them. Prevent this from happening by following the below-mentioned few things to cover the chipped edges of your teeth:
- Tea bag
- Sugar-free gum
- Dental wax
Also, if you are sleeping now, it is highly recommended that you put on a night guard to protect not only your tooth that is cracked or chipped but also other parts of your mouth. A mouthguard becomes crucial for you if you are a teeth grinder until you manage to visit the dentist’s office.
Different Treatment Options for a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Examine the following options for treating cracked or chipped teeth:
Veneers
Veneers are recommended for more damaged front teeth that are chipped. Veneers are generally made of porcelain and are fixed to the surface of your teeth. They are thin shells. They appear exactly like your real teeth and are nearly impossible to detect. In some cases, the service life of veneers can be up to 20 years, and this is one of the most significant pros.
Bonding
Bonding is highly recommended for minor chips. In cosmetic dentistry, bonding is a process that uses a composite resin substance to help fix a fractured or chipped tooth. The missing part of the tooth can easily be restored with bonding material. Its natural-looking appearance is a significant benefit. The composite material can be customised to replicate the natural colour of your teeth.
Moreover, bonded teeth demand the same care that your natural teeth require:
- Floss once per day.
- Brush at least twice per day.
- Do not bite into hard candies, food, or ice.
- Twice a year, schedule cleanings and examinations with the dentist.
Crowns or Caps
A crown or cap may be required for a chipped tooth with extensive damage. Your entire tooth can be covered by crowns and caps. They strengthen and support the tooth, preventing additional damage and protecting your original tooth. Dental crowns are a fast and effective way to repair teeth that have suffered serious chips or breaks. However, they still need at least two visits to the dental clinic.
- The dentist will take impressions during the initial appointment to make the mold for your crown.
- The dentist will permanently cement the crown into place on the second visit.
Meanwhile, the dentist may apply a temporary crown to safeguard the tooth until your permanent crown arrives. The permanent crown will be designed in a lab to precisely match the tooth’s natural colour and shape.
Root Canal
A root canal is suitable for chipping or breaking off most teeth. A root canal protects your original tooth from decay and infection.
- First, the dentist will eliminate the nerve and pulp of the tooth.
- After that, the root canal will be cleaned and shaped.
- Then, they will secure the space.
The final step is to place a crown over the healed tooth to restore its natural use and look.
Sum Up
It is obvious to put off getting treatment when you have a chipped or cracked tooth. However, you should take care of your tooth as quickly as possible, even if the chip is small and you are not experiencing pain or discomfort. Most chipped or cracked teeth require little to no medical care and can be treated in one or two visits to the dentist. As a result, if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, do not panic and seek emergency dental services in Saskatoon.