Sadly, accidents happen. In the case of a dental mishap that leaves you with a broken or chipped tooth, it’s vital to understand why it happened, know what to do, and have a qualified dental professional on hand.
Today we’re looking at broken or chipped teeth, what causes them, and, most importantly, some effective treatment techniques to ensure that neither your smile nor your long-term dental health are at risk!
Causes of Broken or Chipped Teeth
Broken or chipped teeth can occur due to various factors. Here is a list of several of the most common:
- Trauma, the likes of which can occur as the result of a fall, sports injury, or vehicle collision
- Biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candies, unpopped popcorn kernels, olive pits, or pens
- Tooth weakening due to a large filling or cavity
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Habits like nail-biting or using teeth as tools
Understanding why a tooth chips or breaks can be very helpful in determining an appropriate treatment plan and identifying lifestyle changes and preventive measures that will minimize your risk in the future.
Treatments for Broken or Chipped Teeth
Treatment options for broken or chipped teeth can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Minor chips typically only require dental bonding with a tooth-colored composite resin.
For more significant damage, a dental crown can be placed to provide strength and protection. If the tooth's nerve is affected, a root canal may be necessary. In severe cases in which the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction followed by a dental implant, bridge, or denture may be necessary.
What To Do If Your Tooth Suddenly Breaks
If you experience a sudden breakage or chipping of a tooth, it’s crucial to stay calm, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and seek immediate dental attention in order to prevent further damage and long-term complications and to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Emergency Dental Care in Durham, NC
If you’re in the Durham area and want to learn more about the most effective methods for treating sudden tooth chipping or breakage, contact dentist Dr. Adam Spriggs and the team at The Smile Shop to schedule a consultation!