What is a broken tooth?
When a tooth has cracks, chips, or is missing large pieces it’s considered broken. This can happen as a result of chewing on something hard, like ice cubes or candies, or in the aftermath of a car accident or fall. Unfortunately, if a broken tooth isn’t treated right away it can lead to more serious oral health problems including decay, severe pain, and possible loss of the tooth.
What should I do if I experience a broken tooth?
If you crack, fracture, or break a tooth, it’s important to act quickly. Waiting to visit Dr. Yakobashvili or Dr. Datikashvili, could mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. If the affected tooth is bleeding or causing you pain, rinse your mouth with warm water and take an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) to relieve swelling and irritation.
If your broken tooth has a sharp edge and rubs up against your lip your tongue, take steps to prevent further damage by covering it with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or a piece of wax. Next, call your dentist or, if your accident occurred during normal business hours, simply walk in.
Is it okay to eat with a broken tooth?
Accidents tend to happen when you least expect them. If you break or chip your tooth and you’re unable to make it to the office before your next meal, don’t panic. However, you must take extra care to prevent further damage. Dr. Yakobashvili and Dr. Datikashvili may recommend eating soft foods like yogurt, soup, or applesauce until you can get to the office. It’s okay to eat soft fruits like bananas as well, just make sure to only chew on the side of your mouth that isn’t affected.
How do you know if you have a cracked tooth?
It can be hard for you to tell if a tooth is cracked. Cracks may or may not be visible. Dr. Yakobashvili will be able to discover a cracked tooth during an exam. If you’re unsure whether your tooth is cracked, you should look for these signs:
- Sharp pain when biting down that quickly disappears
- Pain that comes and goes
- Pain when eating or drinking
- Feeling that something is stuck between your teeth
How does a tooth crack?
A tooth may crack for many reasons, such as:
- Chewing on hard objects or foods such as pencils, ice, nuts, or hard candy
- An accident, such as a blow to the mouth
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Uneven chewing pressure, especially if a nearby tooth is lost
- Loss of tooth structure through wear
- Loss of tooth structure due to large fillings or other restorations
- Exposure of tooth enamel to extreme hot and cold temperatures
How is a broken tooth treated?
The treatment of a broken or cracked tooth depends on the size, location, and severity of the damage. Your dentist will also consider your specific symptoms and unique health history. To determine the right type of treatment for your situation, Dr. Yakobashvili or Dr. Datikashvili can perform a thorough oral exam and asks you a series of questions about the incident that caused the damage. If necessary, your dentist might also take a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your jawbone.
Types of treatment include the following:
- Repairing the tooth with a filling material
- Placing a crown on the tooth to protect it from further damage
- Root canal treatment if the pulp is involved
- Extracting the tooth if it’s severely cracked and cannot be saved
If you break or chip one of your front teeth, it may be recommended to apply a dental veneer. Dental veneers mimic the appearance and light-reflecting properties of your enamel, so no one but you will know you’ve had any work done.
How many appointments does it take to repair a broken tooth?
The number of appointments that it takes to repair a broken or chipped tooth depends on the severity of the damage. If you experience minor damage caused by tooth grinding or biting down on a popcorn kernel, a filling might be an option for you. A filling is a simple procedure that takes only one visit.
If your tooth is infected or the nerve is exposed, a series of appointments may be necessary. For example, if you need a crown, Dr. Yakobashvili or Dr. Datikashvili can take impressions of your tooth and sends your impressions to a laboratory. The laboratory manufactures your crown and you return to Glad Dental P.C. a week or two later, once it’s finished.
Is there any way to prevent a broken tooth?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent a broken tooth entirely. However, there are steps you can take to significantly lower our risk. For example, if you play contact sports like hockey or football, make sure to wear a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, consider wearing a night guard to prevent wear-and-tear damage.
Don’t let a broken or cracked tooth become a bigger problem. If you think you may have a cracked tooth, call Dr. Guram Yakobashvili at Glad Dental P.C. or walk in as soon as possible.
