What to Do When You Have a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Our teeth are designed to withstand as much as 200 pounds of force when we bite down on a piece of food, yet they are surprisingly fragile, leading to issues like chipped or broken teeth. Despite this, tooth breaks or breaking teeth can still occur. Getting hit in the face, falling on our mouth, or biting on something hard can crack or chip a tooth. Our teeth, including the natural tooth structure, are designed to withstand significant force, which begs the question, why did my tooth chip despite being capable of handling up to 200 pounds of pressure while biting down on food. However, accidents can occur resulting in various dental issues such as a chipped bottom tooth, part of my tooth breaking off, or even my back teeth breaking. In most cases, unless a substantial portion of the tooth is broken off exposing the nerve, you may not experience immediate pain. This is why you might have a chipped tooth but it doesn’t hurt. However, you might feel the roughness with your tongue. It’s important to note that damaging the nerve inside the tooth can lead to more severe complications, making it crucial to seek immediate attention from a dental professional. This is why a chipped tooth might hurt. While you make your way to the dentist’s office, here are some steps you can take to protect the chipped or cracked area:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water, being careful not to swallow or choke on any tooth fragments.
- Apply gentle pressure to your gums for several minutes to control any bleeding that may occur.
- You can use a cold pack on your cheek or lips to reduce swelling.
- If you are unable to see the dentist on the same day, consider using temporary dental filling material such as over-the-counter dental cement, which can be obtained from a drugstore, to temporarily cover the damaged tooth.
If you experience chipped tooth pain or a cracked tooth toothache, over-the-counter pain relief medication can temporarily relieve you until you receive professional care. The appropriate treatment for chipped or broken teeth will depend on the extent of the damage. In cases of a slightly chipped tooth or a small chip, the affected area can be polished, or a filling may be used to repair the enamel. However, more severe damage or nerve involvement may require treatments such as a dental crown or a root canal. If you have multiple chipped or broken teeth, suitable measures such as fixing a cracked molar or applying dental wax will be taken to address each affected tooth individually. Remember, addressing broken teeth or a chipped tooth promptly is essential to prevent further complications. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment and ensure that your dental emergency receives the appropriate care.