When you chip or crack a tooth, it can be a very painful experience. Not only is there the pain of the injury itself, i.e., the cracked tooth pain, but also the worry about how to fix the damage. You may also worry that your entire tooth may be lost, necessitating a missing tooth replacement. Depending on the severity of the chipped tooth, cracked teeth, or fractured tooth, there are a few different options for treatment.
No matter what the extent of the damage, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible after you notice a chipped or broken tooth. This is because even a mildly chipped tooth or fractured tooth can provide an opening for bacteria to enter the tooth enamel and cause an infection, necessitating a root canal or tooth replacement. So, if you have a chipped tooth, broken tooth, or cracked tooth, don’t wait to get it fixed – see your dentist right away!
URBN Dental is an emergency dentistry in Houston specializing in the treatment of a broken or chipped tooth. We offer cutting-edge dental treatments to protect your remaining tooth and fix your chipped tooth, helping you achieve optimal oral health. We offer numerous treatments, such as a root canal treatment, tooth colored composite resin bonding, dental crown, or other solutions to improve oral health and prevent tooth decay.
You can find our dental clinics in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, and Montrose. If you live in or around Galleria, River Oaks, or Highland Park, you can visit our dental clinic in Uptown Houston for your broken front tooth or cracked tooth repair.
What Is A Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth is a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged. The damage can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, chewing on hard objects, or grinding your teeth. Depending on the severity of the damage, a chipped tooth may just be a cosmetic issue, or it could be a more serious problem that requires dental treatment.
When you bite down on something hard and your tooth chips, it can be a very jarring and upsetting experience. Your first instinct might be to panic, but it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. In many cases, a chipped tooth is not a serious dental emergency and can be treated by your dentist in a routine appointment.
What Are The Causes For A Chipped Or Broken Tooth?
There are many things that can cause a chipped tooth or chipped teeth, including:
- Biting down on hard food or candy
- Falling
- Chewing on ice
- A cavity that has weakened your tooth enamel
- Eating hard candy or other hard objects
How To Fix A Chipped Tooth?
If you have a chipped tooth, the first thing you should do is assess the damage. If the chip is small and does not affect the function or appearance of your tooth, you may not need to do anything. However, if the chip is large or affects the way your tooth looks or works, you will need to see a dentist.
Your dentist will be able to determine the best course of treatment for your chipped tooth. In some cases, the tooth can be repaired with a filling, bonding, or crown. In more serious cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.
What Are The Best Dental Treatments For Chipped Or Broken Teeth?
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to keep your teeth looking their best. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, there are several dental treatments that can help restore your smile.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one option for treating a chipped tooth. Bonding involves using a tooth colored composite resin to build up the damaged area of the tooth. Bonding can be used to repair small chips and cracks, and it can also be used to change the shape of teeth or to close gaps between teeth.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are another option for treating chipped or broken teeth. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, composite resin, and porcelain. The type of filling used will depend on the size and location of the damage.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another option for treating damaged teeth. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers can be used to cover up small chips and cracks, and they can also be used to change the shape, color, and size of teeth.
Tooth Crowns
Tooth crowns are another option for treating broken or damaged teeth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, and composite resin. Crowns are used to cover the entire surface of a tooth, and they can be used to restore the strength and appearance of a damaged tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are another option for treating damaged or missing teeth. If your natural teeth can’t be saved and you have a tooth missing, you may need a dental implant to replace the natural tooth. Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implants have healed, they can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
No matter which treatment you choose, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible after you damage your tooth. The sooner you see a dentist, the less damage will be done to your tooth, and the easier it will be to treat.
How Can I Prevent A Chipped Or Broken Tooth?
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Avoid hard foods and chewing on hard objects (ice, popcorn kernels, etc.).
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
- Be careful with your teeth when eating sticky or chewy foods.
- Wear a seatbelt when riding in a car.
- Practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups.
- Don’t wait to see a dentist if you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or broken. The sooner you get it fixed, the less likely it is that further damage will occur.
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent a chipped or broken tooth.
