Cracked, Chipped, or Broken: What to Do When Tooth Trouble Strikes

Picture this: You’re at the movie theatre watching a movie you’ve been anticipating for months. You’re halfway through your large popcorn when pain shoots through your tooth. The tenderness only becomes more uncomfortable as you try to enjoy the rest of the movie.

Whether you’re at the movie theater enjoying a large popcorn or at home brushing your teeth, dealing with a broken or chipped tooth is never a fun experience. But don’t worry; with the help of this guide, you can understand the ins and outs of broken and split teeth and the most popular and successful treatment methods.

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Understanding Tooth Damage

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Tooth damage can come in many forms. From minuscule tooth cracks to severe fractures, understanding the different types of damage and their causes can help you take better care of your teeth and seek the right treatment when needed. Whether it’s a cracked tooth from biting down on something hard or a chipped tooth from an accidental fall, knowing what to look for and how to respond is crucial.

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What is a Cracked Tooth?

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A tooth fracture occurs when a tooth cracks or breaks. This type of damage can happen due to a variety of factors: Biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, grinding or clenching your teeth, or even sudden changes in temperature, such as drinking a hot beverage followed by ice water. 

A fractured tooth can be pretty painful, especially when chewing or when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. If you suspect you have a cracked tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential infection.

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Why Do Teeth Crack or Break?

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Teeth are incredibly strong, but they aren’t invincible. Several factors can lead to a tooth cracking or breaking:

• Biting or Chewing on Hard Objects: Hard candy, nuts, or ice can put excessive pressure on your teeth, leading to cracks or breaks. While sugar-free gum doesn't sound like it would lead to a cracked tooth, if you chew enough or chew with enough force, it could also lead to a broken or chipped tooth.
• Teeth Grinding or Clenching: This habit, often done unconsciously during sleep, can wear down enamel and cause fractures over time. If you have this problem, wearing a mouth guard at night can make a huge difference. 
• Sudden Changes in Temperature: Consuming something very hot, followed by something very cold, can cause teeth to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
• Falls or Blows to the Face: Accidents or contact sports injuries can result in chipped or broken teeth.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting your dental care can weaken your teeth, making them more susceptible to damage.
• Weakened Tooth Enamel: Enamel erosion from acidic foods, beverages, or certain medical conditions can make teeth more prone to cracking.
• Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can weaken the support structure of your teeth, increasing the risk of fractures and even tooth decay.
• Inherited Conditions: Some genetic conditions can lead to an increased risk of chips and cracks.

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Symptoms of Chipped or Broken Teeth

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While some breaks are apparent, other chips and cracks can be more subtle. Recognizing the symptoms of a cracked or chipped tooth early can prevent further complications. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Pain or Sensitivity When Biting or Chewing: If your tooth hurts when applying pressure, it could be a sign of a fracture.
• Sharp Pain with Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks: Sudden, sharp pain when consuming hot or cold items can indicate a crack or chip.
• Visible Cracks or Fractures: Sometimes, a crack or chip can be seen on the surface of a tooth.
• Teeth Fragments: Finding pieces of your tooth in your mouth is a clear sign of damage.
• Swelling or Bleeding Around the Affected Tooth: This can happen when a chipped tooth has broken and left a jagged edge. This can also indicate more severe damage or an underlying issue.
• Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Changes in your bite or discomfort when chewing can be symptoms of a cracked or chipped tooth. It's best to try to only eat soft foods at this time.

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If you suspect you’ve broken or damaged a tooth, don’t wait to contact your local dentist. Reach out to your dentist's office immediately. Leaving the issue untreated can lead to further problems like a split tooth or vertical root fracture, and in some cases, you might end up with a tooth missing. Your dentist can help you identify the issue and find a solution to keep your smile intact. 

Diagnosing this kind of tooth damage usually involves a visual examination, X-rays, and other imaging tests. These tests allow the dentist to assess the full extent of the problem.

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Treatment Options for Tooth Damage

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Knowing what direction to take with cosmetic tooth repair can be challenging. Treatment options often depend on the location and health of the damaged tooth. A chipped or broken tooth can sometimes be repaired with a simple filling or bonding procedure. In other cases, more extensive damage may require a root canal to remove damaged pulp and subsequently place a crown to restore the tooth's structure and function. Root canals are necessary when a tooth is heavily damaged, particularly when exposed pulp or nerves require treatment. More extensive damage may also require a crown, veneer, or other restoration technique.

Here are four of the most common dental damage repair techniques:

1. Enamel Shaping

A slightly chipped tooth can often be addressed through shaping, a cosmetic dentistry procedure. It involves reshaping a tooth’s enamel, improving its appearance. This technique is often used to repair chipped or broken teeth, but it can also correct minor imperfections in teeth shape or alignment. This fix can usually be completed in a single office visit.

2. Composite Restoration and Root Canal

Composite restoration involves using a tooth-colored resin to repair chipped teeth or a broken tooth. This procedure is more extensive than shaping, but it can still be completed in a single office visit. Composite restoration can repair a wide range of tooth damage, from small chips to more extensive fractures.

3. Veneers

A slightly chipped tooth can be repaired using veneers, which are thin, porcelain shells that bond to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. They can be used to repair a chipped tooth and also correct minor imperfections in the shape or alignment of teeth. Veneers are often more expensive than other treatment options but can provide a more reliable and long-lasting result.

4. Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that restores a damaged or weakened tooth. The cap can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. This procedure traditionally takes two visits—prep and impressions, then crown placement. If the fracture is above the gum line, a crown can be used to restore the tooth, while fractures extending below the gum line may require extraction. This option will keep your teeth looking nice for years with good care, brushing, flossing, and eating the right foods.

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Prevent Tooth Damage with Apple Tree Dental

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While tooth damage is sometimes unavoidable, practicing good oral hygiene can go a long way in keeping your smile bright and complete. Regular brushing and flossing is a must. Avoiding hard or sticky foods is important. And regular dental check-ups are essential. Reach out to Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg today for more information about our processes and procedures. 

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