Looking to repair a chipped or cracked tooth?
A broken or chipped tooth can be a painful and unsightly problem, but it can be fixed with the help of a dentist. Understanding the severity of the damage, considering different treatment options, not delaying treatment and practicing good oral hygiene are essential to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s important to consult with a dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.
Fix A Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can be a painful and unsightly problem that can affect both the appearance and function of your teeth. Chipped or cracked teeth are considered a dental emergency. It can happen due to various reasons such as trauma, decay, grinding and clenching, old fillings or crowns, erosion, and even genetics.
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure the best possible outcome. There are various options available for fixing a broken or chipped tooth such as dental bonding, dental crown, dental veneers, root canal or extraction.
The best solution will depend on the severity of the damage and your dentist will be able to recommend the best treatment option for you.
What Causes a Tooth to chip or Break?
Trauma: Physical trauma to the face or mouth, such as from a fall or a blow to the mouth, can cause a tooth to break.
Decay: Teeth that have cavities or are otherwise weakened by decay are more prone to breaking.
Grinding and clenching: Bruxism, or the habit of grinding and clenching the teeth, can put significant pressure on the teeth and cause them to break.
Old fillings or crowns: Fillings or crowns that are old or in poor condition can weaken the tooth and make it more prone to breaking.
Erosion: Teeth that are exposed to acidic foods and drinks, or that are affected by acid reflux, can become weakened and more prone to breaking.
Tooth infection: A tooth infection can cause the tooth to weaken and break.
Weak enamel: People with weaker enamel are more likely to experience tooth fractures due to their weakened structure.
Large fillings: Large fillings can cause stress to the tooth and cause it to crack.
It’s important to note that a broken or chipped tooth should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure the best possible outcome. If you suspect you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s important to see The Applecross Dentist emergency dentist as soon as possible.
How to repair a Chipped or Broken Tooth
The best solutions for fixing a broken and damaged tooth will depend on the severity of the damage, but generally include:
Dental bonding: A tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to the damaged area and shaped to match the natural tooth, which is a fast and relatively affordable option for minor chips and cracks.
Dental crown/caps: A custom-made cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it, can be made from a variety of materials like porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
Dental veneer: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance and protect it from further damage.
Root Canal: If the tooth is broken below the gum line and has an infected pulp, the only solution would be Root Canal treatment.
Extraction: If a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it may need to be extracted.
Orthodontic treatment: Teeth that are misaligned or crowded can be more prone to breaking, and orthodontic treatment may be necessary to realign the teeth and prevent future damage.
It’s important to consult with our dentist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Our emergency dentist will examine the tooth, take x-rays and will recommend the best treatment option for you.
cost to repair a chipped or cracked tooth
The cost of fixing a broken or chipped tooth can vary depending on the type of treatment chosen and the location of your dentist. Dental bonding is typically less expensive than a dental crown or veneer. Your dentist will provide you with an estimate of the cost of the procedure.
Here at The Applecross Dentist, we have payment plan options available to assist you with financing treatment. for more information call us on (08) 9315 3008
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you chip or break a tooth, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Delaying treatment can lead to more extensive damage and the need for more extensive repairs.
A broken or chipped tooth can be fixed through various methods such as dental bonding, dental crown, dental veneers, root canal or extraction. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take x-rays and recommend the best treatment option for you.
The procedure to fix a broken or chipped tooth is generally not painful, but you may experience some discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will numb the area before the procedure and may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may experience.
After the procedure your tooth will look and function as close to its original state. Your dentist will work with you to ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions after the procedure, as eating and drinking habits may be limited depending on the type of treatment you’ve received. You may be advised to avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods, and to stick to soft foods or liquids for a few days.
The length of time it takes to fix a broken or chipped tooth can vary depending on the type of treatment chosen. Dental bonding, for example, can typically be done in one visit. Your dentist will provide you with an estimate of how long the procedure will take.
Broken or chipped teeth can not heal on their own and need dental intervention, if left untreated it can lead to infection, pain or further damage, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
To some extent, a broken or chipped tooth can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups. Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in activities that may cause trauma to the mouth can also help to prevent chipped or broken teeth.
Looking For advice?
If you have a broken or chipped tooth, it’s important to consult with our dentist as soon as possible to determine the best treatment for you.