Taking good care of your complete set of teeth is essential to keep its appeal for as long as possible. As much as you want to take care of them, however, chances are that they get chipped, cracked, or broken over time. Know that there are many ways that your teeth can get damaged, depending on their condition and the injury type you might have. If it’s only a minor chip, then there’s no need to have it permanently fixed. All you have to do is to address the pain and protect your tooth. When it gets worse, only then you may need to see a dentist for special recommendations and appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, here are practical steps you should take if you have a broken tooth. 

Practical steps to take for a broken tooth

When teeth get broken, dentists don’t necessarily recommend home fixes. Yet, there are some ways you can do to protect your tooth and mouth. Consider the following:

  • After you break a tooth: According to the American Dental Associate (ADA), you should immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it.
  • If you lose a tooth: When this occurs, use a gauze pad to hold it by the crown and put it back into the socket whenever possible. If it looks dirty, rinse it off with water. When you can’t get into the socket, place it in a glass of water or saline solution, and visit your dentist right away.
  • If you experience chipped tooth pain: For pain relief, flush the inside of your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to the outside area. Other alternatives would be to take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Determining when to treat a broken tooth

As far as broken teeth are concerned, some cracks may look visible, while others are not. At the same time, some may have no symptoms at all, while others may be confused for cavities, sensitivity, or periodontal disease. Here’s when your cracks may or may not require treatments:

  • Cracks with no treatment: Know that not every crack or chip is severe enough to warrant treatment. Know that some cracks are quite common, such as craze lines, which are small cracks occurring in the enamel.
  • Cracks requiring a dentist: Keep in mind that some cracks or chips indeed do require a dental visit because no effective home remedies can prevent further injury to your teeth and mouth. Chances are that sharp edges of a cracked tooth can cut your soft tissues, causing more pain, infection, and potentially costlier treatment. If left untreated, they can even lead to a root canal, tooth loss, or other complications due to infection.

Alternative solution: Porcelain veneers for teeth bonding

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Some people may only get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth while others get between six to eight veneers to create an even, symmetrical smile.

It can be painful to deal with chipped or cracked teeth. Remember that some cracks and chips may or may not need treatment.

That said, make sure to follow the practical steps outlined above to decide whether or not you should perform home remedies. You may also want to consider getting porcelain veneers for teeth bonding. However, remember that the best way to protect your teeth and ensure its overall oral health is to visit your dentist for regular checkups. 

If you’ve broken your tooth and would like to see a dentist for it, visit our local dentist in Edmonton to see how we can help you.

Posted in Dental News & Advice