Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Chipped or Cracked Teeth in Perth

Situations do arise where a tooth extraction is the only option. My Emergency Dentist believe it’s important that our patients are aware of all the details, and you can be assured that we’ll look after you as much as we can.

Causes

Often caused by physical trauma like knocks, falls, sports or biting a hard substance, they can be very obvious, and to some, unappealing. There are many ways to repair cracks so your teeth will look normal again.

Factured Cups

Cracked Tooth (treatable)

Cracked Tooth (non-treatable)

Split Tooth

Accidents and Trauma

Traumatic accidents can include vehicle collisions or falls; but smaller accidents can occur, like chipping your tooth while drinking from a glass bottle. Impact sports causes a lot of dental damage, and it’s advisable to wear good head gear to prevent damage to the teeth.

Hard Foods

Biting down on hard foods / objects can cause a chip and occur from a variety of sources such as boiled sweets, or even a hard popcorn kernel!

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is one of many potential long-term causes of dental fractures. Grinding can develop chips or cracks in the enamel over time, and we recommend wearing a splint at night.

Old fillings or restorations

Previous dental treatments including dental fillings or restorations have a higher chance of chipping or breaking compared to natural enamel. So, check-ups and replacing old fillings is worth it for your ongoing oral health.

Symptoms of a cracked or chipped tooth

Over time, shallow and deep chips can have symptoms,

Dental Treatments

The only way to restore the tooth structure is through professional treatment and restoration. Chipped teeth can to trap bacteria and lead to bacterial infection of the tooth, causing decay and cavities. There is a variety of treatment options available for addressing a chipped/cracked tooth, and we offer a plenty of options at the My Emergency Dentist Perth Clinic.

Filling or Bonding

Your My Emergency Dentist can easily repair the damage by using a resin-like material that matches the colour of your tooth and fill in the chipped area. The resin is hardened with ultraviolet light and the resulting look is as good as new and ready to smile again.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be used if there is a significant amount of tooth remaining after the chip. A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain material that is fitted over the front of the tooth to provide the appearance of a whole and healthy tooth, that looks no different from the others!

Crowns

A dental crown may be used to prevent further breakage on a badly chipped tooth. Like veneers it’s a tooth-shaped cap that fits on top of your existing tooth. Permanent crowns made from porcelain and resin can appear nearly identical to the original tooth, so they blend right in.

Root Canal Therapy

If the inner pulp is exposed by a severe chip, then bacteria from the mouth can enter and cause an infection. If the infected tissue is not removed, then the pulp tissue can die and cause the whole tooth to decay. A root canal treatment involves removing the dead and infected pulp, cleaning the root canal and then sealing it. Afterwards, a crown placement can restore a natural look and a happy smile.

Extraction – Tooth Removal

A worst-case scenario is a tooth extraction although this is very rare for chipped teeth. If the tooth structure is completely compromised then tooth removal may be the only option for your oral health.

FAQ

How can I tell if I have cracked or chipped tooth?

If you feel any sharp roughness on a tooth, it is most likely a chip – other symptoms may include tooth sensitivity to temperature or pressure or general tooth pain.

Why does my tooth hurt after chipping or cracking it?

Any damage to the surface of your teeth can increase exposure and irritation to the pulp, the innermost layer of your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Increased tooth sensitivity to temperature or chewing is also present.

Do I have to see a dentist if I cracked or chipped my tooth?

Untreated chips have a higher tendency to catch and trap bacteria which will increase chances of developing cavities, it’s still recommended to seek a dentist for a professional evaluation.

Are treatments for a chipped tooth permanent?

In most cases, restorations are semi-permanent and can last many years, remember that a restored tooth is never as strong as a natural tooth, so take care!

Will I lose my tooth if it is cracked?

Full extraction is only used in very severe cases where the tooth structure is completely unsalvageable by other means.

What can I do to prevent my teeth from chipping/cracking?

Avoid eating very hard foods or use your teeth to do any tasks outside of chewing such as opening bottles or holding onto objects. For athletes or even the recreational player, wear proper safety gear especially in higher impact sports for personal safety.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth