A chipped, fractured, or broken tooth is usually not serious. However, it is essential to act immediately to save the tooth.
Your dentist should be able to help you if they see you as soon as possible.
Book an emergency dental appointment today. Below you will find advice on what to do if this occurs outside of regular office hours.
Why does a tooth chip or break?
Enamel is one of the strongest tissues in the body. But even so, it is not immune to breakage.
The damage can affect the outer part of the tooth or the enamel, but it can also break the tooth and expose the dentin and pulp.
This latter case can be extremely painful because the bacteria can reach the exposed nerves. Changes in temperature or exposure to air can trigger sensitivity.
A tooth can break as a result of a traumatic fall, a blow to the face, or an accident. A car accident, biting into hard or soft foods, grinding teeth, or opening packages with your teeth are all potential causes of a chipped or broken tooth.
The dentist examines the damage and recommends the best treatment to repair it and prevent long-term problems.
Risk factors for a broken tooth
Who is most likely to break a tooth? You have an increased risk if:
- You play contact sports.
- You enjoy outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking.
- You like to bite hard objects, such as pens or ice.
- You use your teeth to tear or open packages.
- You've already had a broken tooth, which makes it more vulnerable.
- You have been diagnosed with dental deterioration and cavities.
- You are over 50 years old, because aging can weaken enamel.
What you should do if you break a tooth
A broken tooth requires immediate examination and treatment. It's a dental emergency, but if you can't see your dentist right away, here are some steps you can take to relieve the pain:
- Collect the tooth fragments. Be careful not to touch the root of the tooth. Place them in a container of milk. If the tooth has any dirt or debris, rinse it with warm water before storing it. Do not brush or scrape it.
- Rinse your mouth. Make sure your mouth is clean and free of any residue. Rinse and brush your teeth as usual. If the damage has left sharp edges, cover them with dental wax to prevent injury to your tongue or cheeks.
- Try reinserting the tooth fragment. Try to put the tooth fragment back in the cavity. If you can't put it back in place, try soaking it in milk.
- Control the bleeding. Bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to control the bleeding in that area.
- Contact emergency services. If the incident is serious, go to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. But if the damage is limited to the tooth or mouth, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
- Take over-the-counter medications. If you cannot get an appointment the same day or if the office is closed, take over-the-counter pain relief medication.
Repairing a broken tooth at a dental clinic in Quebec
Do you have a chipped, fractured or broken tooth?
Relieve any discomfort and restore your smile. See your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the damage, your dentist may even be able to repair and improve the appearance of the tooth after treatment.
There are several ways to repair a broken tooth. If you need help, contact our dental office today.
