Many people consider a broken tooth traumatic; not only does it stop you from baring your full gum and teeth in a smile, but it also shatters your confidence and can even affect normal activities such as chewing, biting, and talking.
Your teeth can get damaged in several ways, including falling accidents, chewing hard on food like an ice cube or candy, cavity, and tooth injury.
The good news, however, is that there are many cosmetic and restorative procedures to repair a chipped or cracked tooth.
Want to know what options are available? Read on to find out:
Why Do People Get Cracked, Chipped, Or Broken Teeth?
Although the enamel which covers the teeth is the strongest tissue in the human body, it can still get cracked or broken.
Teeth can get damaged in several ways. For example, you could play football without a mouth guard or suffer a traumatic blow or crash; you could also chew hard on a pencil and damage your teeth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), certain foods cause tooth damage, including ice, sports drinks, dried fruits, soda, hard candies, coffee, citrus, alcohol, and potato chips.
Tooth Cavities and decay can also weaken the teeth, breaking them easily when chewing hard food.
Types Of Chipped Teeth
There are different types of cracked teeth, including:
- Cracked Tooth
This crack runs vertically from the chewing surface to the root of the tooth.
If left untreated; a cracked tooth will worsen with time and lead to tooth loss.
Diagnosing the problem early can help save the tooth. It’s also essential to treat the condition early.
- Craze Line
Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only the tooth’s outer enamel.
It’s quite common among adults. It is shallow and does not cause discomfort or pain beyond the awkward look they give.
- Split Tooth
A split tooth results from a long-standing cracked tooth.
A split tooth is recognized as a crack with a prominent segment that’s separable. A split tooth cannot be repaired intact.
- Fractured Cusp
A fractured cusp is painless. It occurs when a part of the chewing surface of a tooth breaks off.
- Vertical Root Fracture
Vertical root fracture begins from the tooth’s root and runs through to the chewing surface.
This crack often shows little or no signs and is mainly observed when the gum and bone surrounding the tooth become infected.
Dental Options for Fixing a Chipped, Broken, or Cracked Tooth
Some options available to fix a broken tooth include:
1. Dental Bonding or Filling
Composite bonding is one way to repair cracked, decayed, chipped, discolored, gapped, or misshapen teeth.
Also called dental bonding, composite bonding is durable as it can last up to 10 years and is a less invasive procedure for a damaged tooth.
The procedure does not require anesthesia unless the bonding is applied to cavities.
The dentist will roughen the tooth and use a conditioning liquid. After this, putty will be applied and then molded and smoothed.
Also, ultraviolet light will be used to harden the composite bonding, and when the dental bonding is dry enough, it will then be shipped and polished to resemble the surrounding tooth.
2. Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are ideal for repairing holes in the teeth.
It protects cracked or infected teeth and shields against cavity-causing bacteria that can damage the teeth.
It’s a simple procedure that involves the dentist placing a sealant on the back part of the premolar or molar.
How dental sealant works:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- The dentist cleans the teeth
- The dentist places a gel on the tooth surface for a few minutes
- The tooth is rinsed and dried
- The glue is painted on the tooth
3. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are custom-made shells for teeth. In applying a veneer, the veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, thus transforming the patient’s look.
Most veneers are made of composite or porcelain material, but most clinics prefer the former, as they are attractive and give a realistic result.
Veneers are great options for repairing damaged teeth but are not recommended for people who grind their teeth, as doing that wears down the veneers.
With proper care, veneers can last as much as 30 years. Hence, you needn’t worry about replacing them.
How veneers work:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- The teeth are first prepared for veneers. To do this, the dentist removes some of the tooth enamel, so the tooth doesn’t look too bulky.
- Next, impressions are made. The patient also gets to decide the veneer’s shape, size, and color.
- The veneer is then created in a lab (the patient will wear a temporal one in the interim)
- The temporal veneer is removed, and the new ones are bonded to the tooth’s front.
4. Dental Crown or Cap
Dental crowns can help conceal the entire part of a damaged tooth.
Crowns are a more convenient option for cracked or broken teeth; they are much thicker than veneers and restore the tooth’s appearance and shape.
Generally, dental crowns are caps that cover the tooth and protect and improve its appearance.
A crown prevents losing your tooth; it helps damaged teeth withstand the pressure of eating and chewing.
Dental crowns are made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal and can be custom made to suit a patient’s needs.
How dental crowns work:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Anesthesia is administered to numb the mouth. Alternatively, a sedative can also be given.
- The tooth is then prepared for the dental crown, often removing some of the tooth structure to make room for the crown.
- The dentist then makes an impression, and the crown will be bonded to the tooth structure.
5. Root Canal Therapy
Cracked and broken teeth can lead to infectious pulp developing in the space between the teeth.
If not treated on time, the infection can spread, causing bone loss, abscesses, and other dental problems.
Dentists usually suggest a root canal to treat this kind of dental issue. You may also require a root canal if you have tooth sensitivity, swelling, or toothache.
The procedure involves removing the infection, after which a crown is placed to stop the disease from spreading.
A root canal removes the decayed tooth matter and cleans the nerve.
The procedure is quite painful, but you should feel minimal pain and discomfort if done correctly.
How a root canal works:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- An x-ray is done to determine if the tooth is infected
- An anesthetic and sedation are applied to numb the mouth and make the patient feel relaxed
- The dentist drills into the gum and removes the tooth nerve and pulp
- The tooth is then sealed to halt further infection
- İf the tooth is weak, a crown is placed on top
6. Dental Implant
A dental implant is a more invasive procedure to restore broken or damaged teeth, particularly those close to the gum line.
Dental implants are usually ideal when a tooth extraction is done, and a replacement is needed.
Dental implants replace missing teeth; they function as the tooth’s new root and are implanted in the jawbone for a permanent fit.
The process is simple as it involves removing the broken or damaged tooth and replacing it with an implant.
For a dental implant to go smoothly, there is a need to have a supporting jawbone; if it is not available, a bone graft will be done first before the dental implant procedure.
How Dental Implant Works:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- The dentist makes an incision in the gum to open the bone
- Holes are drilled in the jawbone using biocompatible titanium screws
- A dental implant is placed in the hole made
Temporal Home Remedy For A Broken Tooth
After suffering a cracked or chipped tooth, here are some steps to take to minimize the damage before heading to the dental clinic:
[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]- Rinse your mouth with salt water or warm water
- Apply pressure to halt the bleeding
- Place an ice pack over the affected area to reduce swelling
- Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (not aspirin, as this increases bleeding)
- Avoid eating or chewing with the affected part of the mouth
- Stay away from hard food, including candies, ice, and more. İf you must eat, go for soft foods.
- Apply a dental wax over the affected gum to protect it
- If the break has a sharp edge, cover it with chewing gum or wax paraffin. This way, you don’t cut your tongue
Note: These tips are only a temporary solution and do not address the more severe problems that can lead to gum disease, periodontitis, tooth loss, infection, and other issues.
What Part Of The Teeth Breaks, Chips, Or Cracks?
According to an article published by the European Journal of Dentistry, the molar of the lower jaw is the most common tooth to break, and this likely happens because of the pointed cusps that grind fiercely into the molars at the roof of the mouth.
However, any part of the teeth can chip, crack or break, from minor injuries to more serious ones.
Deep cracks can extend from the tooth’s center or root to the pulp center, which features several connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.
Cracks are often not visible, as they hide below the gum or inside the tooth.
Also, most chips and cracks do not have symptoms, and even when they do, they are often confused for periodontal disease or a cavity.
A dentist can determine the type of injury and its seriousness by examining the tooth using a magnifying glass, carrying out a bite test, or even a dental x-ray.
What Should I Do if My Tooth Pops Out?
If your tooth pops out, grab the tooth by the crown with gauze.
If you can, place the tooth back in its socket, but if it is not possible, then place the tooth in a saline solution, water, or milk.
Next, book an emergency appointment with your dentist and get to the clinic as soon as possible (within 30 minutes).
Is a Broken Tooth a Medical Emergency?
A broken tooth is a medical emergency if your gum is bleeding or you are having pain.
A broken tooth is a dental emergency if the tooth is broken beyond the tooth or if the tooth has been pulled off completely.
Patients with such symptoms should seek immediate dental care, as untreated damage can lead to tooth loss, root canal, and other serious issues.
When Is A Chipped Tooth Not An Emergency?
Not every chip, break, or crack is severe enough to be a dental emergency. For instance, craze lines are standard and are not a medical emergency.
Generally, if the tooth’s root is not exposed, and there is no bleeding or pain, then there’s no dental emergency.
Also, if the damage only occurs at the tooth’s surface, it is not an emergency. In such instances, patients can delay going to the dentist by a day or two.
However, it would be best if you got the chipped or cracked teeth examined as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Broken Tooth?
The cost depends on the severity of the damage.
The cost of fixing a broken tooth can range from a few hundred dollars for a cosmetic procedure to $2,500 to $3,000 for a dental crown and root canal therapy.
Also, if the tooth is extracted and replaced with a dental implant, the cost can range between $3,000 to $5,000.
Most or some of the cost of a tooth repair will be covered by dental insurance, but this depends on the insurance company’s policy.
Most dental restorations only require one or two visits to the clinic, but some may take more.
Final Thoughts
Breaking a tooth can be painful, but most cracks and chips aren’t severe and require little or no treatment.
That said, the best way to be sure it’s nothing serious is to visit the dentist when it happens.
If your tooth falls off, make an emergency visit to the dentist within 30 minutes, and take the tooth fragments with you.
Call your dentist for cracked, chipped, or broken teeth and make an appointment within the shortest time possible while administering some of the self-care tips we have shared.
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