What Happens if You Ignore a Broken or Chipped Tooth?

Help! I have chipped my tooth – what now?

Your teeth are strong and resilient.  Did you know the enamel covering your teeth is the hardest, most mineralised tissue in the human body?  However, a chipped tooth or breaking a tooth happens, so what can you do about it?

How teeth can chip or break

There can be some reasons teeth chip or break including:

• Eating hard foods
• Injury
• Old fillings or restorations that need attention
• Cavities

Sometimes a broken or chipped tooth can be the result of a cracked tooth.
If you chip or break part of your tooth, you mightn’t feel any pain so it may be tempting to skip or delay a visit to the dentist. But doing so can lead to further damage to your tooth.
The chip may allow bacteria to infect your tooth, causing irreversible damage.
You also may find yourself chewing on the other side of your mouth to avoid the damaged tooth. This can lead to strain, sensitivity and more issues such as locking of the jaw.

Cracked teeth

If you have a cracked tooth, you may not: be aware of it, be able to see the crack or know of the symptoms associated with it. Cracks can be so small that they don’t show up on an x-ray.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth include:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Pain with eating or chewing
• Toothache
• Bad breath

Notice any of the symptoms above?
See your dentist immediately.  At justSMILE we set aside time for emergency appointments or you can book directly online at a time that suits you.

Procedure for a damaged or chipped tooth

Before you visit your dental practice:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush away any bacteria
• Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks
• Take over the counter painkillers if needed.

Treatment for a damaged tooth

Treatment varies depending on the damage to and previous condition of the tooth.

Possible treatments include:

Fillings: For minor damage and if the tooth hasn’t any previous breakage, your dentist may be able to repair it with a small filling. Here, the tooth can be fixed immediately using a tooth coloured material.

Veneers: For a chipped front tooth, a veneer made of composite material or porcelain is an option. At JustSMILE we can create a beautiful porcelain veneer in one appointment with our E4D technology.

Dental Crown: If the chewing surface or previous filling of the tooth has damage, a dental crown may be required. At JustSMILE, the latest in technology allows us to offer crowns in one appointment. No waiting for weeks like the traditional method.

Dr Rammo will prepare your damaged tooth, design your tooth crown or cap on specialised software and manufacture your crown. This process takes a little over an hour. Then the new tooth can be fitted immediately. The treatment provides stunning results and it also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth is severely damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary. This treatment requires cleaning the infected tissue and removing the damaged part. The tooth is then filled and a cap placed over the tooth. Using our E4D technology, this can be done in the same appointment.

Tooth Removal: In severe cases, tooth removal may be the only option. We can replace the missing tooth using dental implants or a dental bridge.

How much will it cost?

Costs will vary depending on the level of tooth damage. Dr Rammo will be able to provide an assessment to determine the state of your tooth. We offer dental payment plans and you may also be eligible for rebates from your health fund.

 

Need a Dentist in Ramsgate?

Whatever treatment you need to repair your chipped or broken tooth, Dr Rammo at JustSMILE has the experience and treatment to suit your needs.  With our same day crowns and our dental payment plans, it might also work out more pain-free than you think:)

If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please contact us today or click here to schedule an online appointment.