Teeth are incredibly strong. The enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest substance in your body. However, teeth are still at risk of cracking, chipping or breaking. Accidents can result in a broken tooth. If you experience a broken tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. At The Dental Family Beaumaris, we offer emergency dental services. We encourage you to contact us with any concerns.
In this article, we discuss why teeth break and what you can do if this happens. We also go over some of the different treatment options for broken teeth.
Why do teeth break?
Teeth can break for a variety of reasons. These include sporting accidents, impact to the face, biting down on hard objects or using our teeth to open packaging. Even with the best oral hygiene and dental care, a broken tooth is a possibility.
There are some ways to minimise the risk of broken teeth. If you play a contact sport, you should always wear a mouthguard for protection. Be cautious when biting down on hard food such as nuts and hard lollies. Only use your teeth for chewing- do not attempt to open packaging or bottles with your teeth.
What should I do if I have a broken tooth?
If you break a tooth, you should contact your dentist and make an appointment immediately. You can rinse your mouth with warm water, apply pressure to stop any bleeding and place a cold pack over the area to reduce swelling. If you are in pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain killer. You should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
If you find the piece of your tooth that broke, you should wrap it in wet gauze and bring it to the dentist. If you are unable to get to the dentist straight away, you can apply some dental wax over the tooth’s sharp edge. Dental wax is available at most pharmacies.
If your entire tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the top part of the tooth) and place it back in its socket, if you can. If it is dirty, you can gently rinse it in water. Do not scrub it, do not use anything other than water and do not clean off any bits of tissue. If you are unable to put it back in its socket, then place it in a small container of water, milk, saliva or saline solution and try to get to the dentist within 30 minutes.
How can I treat my broken tooth?
There are a few different treatment options for broken teeth.The type best suited to you will depend on the extent of the damage and other factors. Your dentist will be able to advise you on which treatment option is right for you.
Veneers
Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment. They are also a great way of disguising the appearance of a broken tooth. Veneers are like thin covers that are attached to the front of your natural teeth. They are custom-made to suit your needs. Your dentist may recommend just one or multiple veneers. You may choose to have multiple veneers if you have other issues such as gaps, misalignment or discolouration. Veneers create beautiful, natural looking smiles.
Dental bonding
Bonding is a common way to fix broken teeth, specifically small cracks and chips. Dental bonding involves using a composite material that is moulded over the chip or crack. Your dentist will shape the material before it is set with a special light. With good care, dental bonding can last many years.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a great fix for a significantly cracked or broken tooth. Crowns are custom-made caps that are placed over your damaged tooth. Dental crowns are permanent fixtures that can be made from a range of materials. The process of getting a crown usually involves two trips to the dentist. The first to prep your tooth and the second to attach your custom-made crown.
Root canal therapy
If the majority of your tooth has broken off, and your tooth’s pulp has become infected, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. Your dentist will clean out the canal of your tooth and seal it to prevent further infection. The last part of this process usually involves your dentist placing a dental crown to restore the structure and aesthetics of your broken tooth.
How The Dental Family Beaumaris can help
A broken tooth can cause pain and distress but don’t worry, they can be fixed. And The Dental Family Beaumaris is here to help you. If you have a broken tooth or any other dental concerns, please give us a call. We offer top-quality dental care, and also cater for dental emergencies.
