Complete Guide to Treating Chipped or Broken Teeth

Accidents happen, and one of the unfortunate scenarios that might occur is chipping or breaking a tooth. Whether it’s a sudden impact, biting into something hard, or a fall, a chipped or broken tooth can be distressing. However, there’s no need to panic. URBN Dental is here to guide you through the steps to take when faced with a chipped or broken tooth, along with the various tooth repair options available.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The first thing to do when you chip or break a tooth is to assess the extent of the damage. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. Examine the broken tooth or chipped tooth to determine if it’s a minor chip, a larger fracture, or if the tooth is completely broken.

Step 2: Contact URBN Dental

Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s important to contact us at URBN Dental immediately. We have multiple convenient locations throughout Houston, including Uptown, Midtown, Montrose, City Center, Katy, East River, and Houston Heights. Reach out to the nearest location for prompt assistance. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is equipped to handle dental emergencies and provide you with expert guidance.

Step 3: Preserve the Chipped Tooth or Broken Tooth

If the tooth has broken into multiple pieces or if there are sharp edges, it’s important to prevent further damage. Place the broken pieces in a clean container with milk or your saliva to keep them moist. This can help preserve the chipped tooth fragments and increase the chances of successful repair.

Chipped or Broken Tooth Repair Options

URBN Dental offers a range of effective repair options for chipped or broken teeth. If you have a cracked tooth, chipped tooth, chipped and broken teeth, or fractured teeth, these are some of the possible chipped tooth repair options:

1. Dental Bonding: For minor chips, dental bonding is a common solution. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the damaged area and sculpted to match the natural tooth shape. This quick and painless procedure provides a seamless restoration.
2. Porcelain and Resin Crowns: In cases of more significant damage, a crown may be necessary. Porcelain or resin crowns are custom-made to fit over the remaining tooth structure, providing strength and protection while restoring the tooth’s appearance.
3. Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They can effectively conceal chips and fractures, enhancing both the tooth’s appearance and function.
4. Dental Implants: If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, a dental implant might be the best option. A dental implant involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement root. A lifelike crown is then attached to the post, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
5. Root Canal Therapy: In cases where the tooth’s pulp (inner tissue) is exposed or damaged, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. A root canal involves removing the damaged pulp, disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it to prevent infection.
6. Temporary Crown or Filling: In some cases, a temporary crown or filling may be placed initially to protect the damaged natural tooth while a permanent restoration is being crafted in a dental laboratory. This is a suitable solution for a cracked tooth or a broken or chipped tooth.

Diagnosing and Evaluating the Damage

When you experience a chipped or broken tooth, it’s crucial to have a professional evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and the most appropriate treatment. Here’s how URBN Dental will diagnose and evaluate the situation:

1. Clinical Examination: Our skilled dentists will thoroughly examine the cracked teeth, checking for visible fractures, sharp edges, and any exposed dental pulp. They will also assess the surrounding teeth and tissues to ensure no additional damage has occurred.
2. X-rays: X-ray images may be taken to assess the extent of the damage beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. X-rays help determine if the tooth’s root is affected, if there are any fractures within the bone, or if there’s an underlying issue that needs attention. This is essential for a cracked tooth diagnosis, especially under the gum line.
3. Pulp Vitality Test: If the dental pulp is exposed or damaged, a pulp vitality test may be performed to determine the health of the pulp tissue. This test involves applying a cold stimulus to the tooth to assess its response. The cracked tooth may sometimes be worse than can be seen on the outside, so this is necessary for a diagnosis.
4. Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, our dentists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific case. The severity of the damage and your overall oral health will guide the choice of repair option, ensuring the best outcome for your smile.

Immediate Care for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies, including chipped or broken teeth, require immediate attention to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you can do for cracked teeth or if your tooth breaks while waiting to see a dentist at URBN Dental:

1. Pain Management: If you’re experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort temporarily. Avoid applying aspirin or pain relievers directly to the tooth, as this can cause irritation to the gums.
2. Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing to avoid putting additional pressure on the damaged tooth. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided until the tooth is repaired.
3. Use Dental Wax: If a jagged edge is causing irritation to your tongue, lips, or cheeks, dental wax can provide temporary relief by creating a barrier between the damaged tooth and your soft tissues.
4. Control Bleeding: If the tooth has caused bleeding in the mouth, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and use a piece of clean gauze to apply gentle pressure to the area. If bleeding persists or is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
5. Avoid Self-Treatment: While you can take some initial steps to manage the situation, attempting to repair the tooth yourself can lead to further damage. It’s best to leave the repair to our skilled dental professionals at URBN Dental.

Preventing Future Incidents

While accidents can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth:

• Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails.
• Practice proper oral hygiene to maintain strong tooth enamel.
• Visit URBN Dental for regular check-ups to catch any dental issues early.

After your chipped or broken tooth has been repaired, it’s important to follow proper aftercare to ensure optimal healing and longevity of the restoration. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, and practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

Visit URBN Dental To Fix A Broken Tooth

URBN Dental understands that dental emergencies can be unexpected and stressful. We work with various dental insurance plans to help you maximize your benefits. Additionally, we offer flexible financing options to make quality dental care accessible and affordable.

A chipped or broken tooth can be distressing, but with prompt action and the right treatment, your smile can be restored to its full beauty and functionality. URBN Dental is here to provide expert care and a range of repair options tailored to your specific needs. Contact us immediately if you experience a dental emergency, and let us help you regain your confident smile.