Don't Panic: A Guide to Treating Chipped or Broken Teeth

Have you ever experienced that jarring moment—a crunch of ice, a hard candy, and then the distinct realization that something isn't right in your mouth? That hard, unyielding object turns out to be a piece of your own tooth. While tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, it's not invincible. Falls, facial blows, or biting down on something particularly tough—especially if a tooth is already weakened by decay—can lead to chips or breaks. But take a deep breath; your dentist has many ways to fix it. What to Do When a Tooth Breaks If you've chipped, broken, or fractured a tooth, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is crucial. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage, infection, and potentially even tooth loss. In the interim, here are some self-care steps you can take: Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help alleviate any discomfort. Rinse Your Mouth: A warm salt water rinse can help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation. Protect Soft Tissues: If the broken edge is sharp, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to prevent it from cutting your tongue, lip, or cheek. Eat Soft Foods: When you do eat, opt for soft foods and avoid putting pressure on the broken tooth. The treatment for your broken or chipped tooth will depend on the severity of the damage. A small chip might be a quick fix, while more extensive damage could require a longer and more involved procedure. Common Dental Repair Options Your dentist has several methods at their disposal to repair a broken or chipped tooth: Dental Filling or Bonding For minor chips, especially on front teeth, dental bonding is a common and effective solution. This procedure uses a tooth-colored composite resin to repair the damage. The dentist first etches the tooth surface to create a better bond, then applies an adhesive followed by the resin. After shaping the resin to match your natural tooth, a special ultraviolet light hardens the material. This process is often completed in a single visit and typically doesn't require anesthesia. Dental Cap or Crown If a significant piece of your tooth has broken off, or if the tooth has extensive decay, your dentist may recommend a dental crown (also known as a cap). A crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits over the remaining tooth structure, protecting it and restoring its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic. Metal crowns offer the greatest strength, while porcelain and resin crowns can be matched to your natural tooth color. Getting a crown usually involves two dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth, takes impressions for the lab to create the custom crown, and places a temporary crown. At the second visit, the permanent crown is cemented into place. Some modern dental offices also have technology that allows for same-day crown creation. Dental Veneers When a front tooth is chipped or broken, a dental veneer can beautifully restore its appearance. A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or resin composite that covers the entire front surface of the tooth. It's bonded to the tooth after a small amount of enamel is removed. Veneers are an excellent option for achieving a seamless and natural-looking repair. Root Canal Therapy If a chip or break is severe enough to expose the tooth's pulp (the inner core containing nerves and blood vessels), bacteria can enter and cause infection. Symptoms like pain, discoloration, or sensitivity to heat might indicate pulp damage. In such cases, root canal therapy becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal, and then sealing it. While often feared, a root canal is typically no more painful than a regular filling. After a root canal, the tooth is often weakened and usually requires a crown for protection. What to Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. The sooner the tooth is reimplanted, the higher the chance of success. Handle with Care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), avoiding touching the root. If dirty, gently rinse it in lukewarm water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub or use harsh cleaners. Reinsert or Store: If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into its socket and have the person bite down on gauze to hold it in place. If reinsertion isn't possible, or for baby teeth/fragments, store them in a container of whole milk or between your cheek and gum. Manage Symptoms: Control any bleeding with sterile gauze. Apply a cool compress for pain and swelling. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain. Seek Immediate Help: Go to the emergency room or dentist right away, bringing the tooth or fragments with you. Even if you've reinserted the tooth, professional dental care is essential. For chipped or broken teeth, contact your dentist promptly.