Chipping or breaking a tooth is usually not a serious issue. In many cases, it doesn’t cause immediate pain. However, if you feel something hard in your mouth or your tongue senses a sharp edge, it could be a piece of broken tooth. Small fractures often don’t cause pain, but if a larger portion breaks off, it can lead to discomfort. If the damage reaches the nerve inside the tooth, you may experience significant pain or sensitivity.
Teeth can break in several ways, including:
– Biting down on something hard
– Trauma to the face or mouth
– Falling or having untreated cavities
– Having old amalgam fillings that no longer support the surrounding enamel
The pain from a chipped or broken tooth may be temporary or persistent, and it often occurs when pressure is applied—such as while chewing hard foods.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. A dental professional can determine whether the damage is due to tooth decay (cavities) or external trauma. If the break has exposed or affected the tooth’s nerve, a root canal treatment may be necessary to prevent further complications and relieve pain.
What to Do Until You Reach the Dentist
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, here are some steps you can take to manage the situation before seeing your dentist:
– Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
– If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. If the bleeding continues, try using a damp tea bag and hold it in place for a few minutes.
– To reduce swelling or pain, apply an ice pack or cold compress to your lips or cheeks near the affected area.
– In case of severe pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
What Your Dentist Will Do
The treatment your dentist recommends will depend on the type and severity of the fracture or break:
Small Cracks: These are superficial cracks that affect only the enamel (the outer white surface of the tooth). They rarely require treatment, though your dentist may polish the area to smooth out any rough edges.
Cracked Tooth: This type of fracture runs from the chewing surface down toward the root. Even if the tooth remains intact, the crack can worsen over time. Treatment may involve dental fillings, a dental crown to protect the tooth, and possibly root canal therapy if the pulp is affected.
Chips: Minor chips are usually not a cause for concern. Your dentist may use a small tooth-colored filling or simply polish the area for a smoother appearance.
Serious Breaks: These fractures extend deep enough to expose and damage the tooth’s nerve. The broken area may bleed, and root canal treatment will be necessary to remove the damaged pulp. A dental crown is often placed afterward to restore both the appearance and functionality of the tooth.
Timely treatment is key when dealing with chipped or broken teeth. If you’re looking for advanced dental care in Dearborn, Michigan, Lakewood Dental Smile offers specialized services including root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, treatment for gum and mouth diseases, dental implants, and more—all under one roof.
