While it is possible to develop a fine crack in your tooth and have it for a while without noticing, a trauma to your mouth that chips a tooth could leave you needing an emergency dentist. Depending on the circumstances and degree of damage, a chipped or cracked tooth could be a dental emergency. If you suspect you have a dental emergency, please contact us immediately or visit your local clinic for urgent assistance. Today we will discuss our approach on how to fix a chipped tooth.
Is Your Tooth Chipped Or Cracked?
A crack or a chip in a tooth may affect the aesthetics of your smile but it also presents some physiological risks that need to be addressed. If there is damage to your dental enamel, your tooth is no longer protected and there is the risk of bacteria entering it. Visiting your dentist regularly can ensure that any small cracks can be addressed before they cause bigger problems.
Why Does A Tooth Break Or Crack?
There are a number of circumstances that could cause a tooth to break, chip or crack:
- A fall or trauma to the mouth
- Biting down on something too hard or using your teeth as tools
- A tooth that was already weakened due to decay or fillings
- Extreme changes in temperature
If you suspect your tooth is cracked or chipped, you must contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth is badly chipped, it could be a dental emergency.
How To Fix A Chipped Tooth?
The best approach of how to fix a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of the chip and where the tooth is located in your mouth. Your dentist will assess the damage and make a recommendation. He or she may suggest:
Bonding
Dental bonding can be performed using composite resin to patch up cracks in the tooth surface. The resin is tooth coloured and the procedure can usually be completed in one visit.
Dental crowns and caps
If a large portion of the tooth has been chipped, broken or cracked, a dental crown may offer more reinforcement of the weakened structure. A dental crown will enclose the damaged tooth and protect it from future damage.
Root canal therapy
If you are at risk of losing your tooth, your dental practitioner may recommend root canal treatment. Any infected matter will be removed, and the canals will be sealed. A dental crown will be placed on the tooth. This procedure may take a few visits to complete.
When Is A Chipped Tooth A Dental Emergency?
If your chipped tooth causes
- You to feel pain when biting down
- Toothache that gets worse
- A fever
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Bleeding
- A visible, large crack
- Or the tooth has been knocked out
Then you are having a dental emergency and should consult with your emergency dentist or local clinic immediately.
If you need help with how to fix a chipped tooth please contact our emergency dentist for help: (07) 3185 2387.
References
Cracked Tooth Repair
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/cracked-tooth-repair
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