Edmonton Emergency Dentists
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Have you ever bitten down on something, only to hear an unpleasant crack? A cracked or broken tooth is a dental emergency. You may get a chipped tooth from an injury, decay, or chewing tough foods.
We often see patients with broken or cracked front teeth. Unlike the molars at the back of your mouth, these teeth are front and centre in your mouth. Any damage or missing teeth will be visible whenever you smile or speak. Since the front teeth are used often, you might be worried that they’ll break further when you bite into food. If the teeth are sensitive, they may cause pain whenever you sip a warm or cold beverage.
Your front teeth are essential for the functioning and appearance of your smile. With our restorative services, we can repair the damage and prevent further tooth decay.
If you have broken teeth, don’t be embarrassed—this injury is quite common. However, that doesn’t make it less urgent. If you have a chipped tooth, a dentist can help. A tooth with a crack is at risk of shattering. Ignoring it puts your chipped tooth in danger.
This issue won’t resolve itself without help—the only way to fix broken teeth is to call an emergency dentist. At Edmonton Emergency Dentists, we can save your tooth from further damage.
What To Do When You Have cracked or broken Teeth
First, try to collect any fragments of the broken tooth. Place them in a clean bag of water or cup of milk.
Next, call an emergency dentist. Even if you aren’t currently in pain, a chipped tooth is especially vulnerable to damage or decay. Failing to repair cracked or broken teeth can be a costly mistake.
The Risks of Untreated Broken Teeth
When this issue is treated early enough, the damage can be repaired and the tooth will look and function as it did before. But left untreated, the nerves of the tooth will be exposed to bacteria. This may result in a dead tooth that must be extracted.
If you are dealing with severe pain, there are a few steps you can take to minimize it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce pain
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your face where the injured tooth is
- Take medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Use a clean piece of gauze on the area that’s bleeding
- If the edge of the broken tooth is sharp, you can cover it with sugar-free gum or paraffin wax
Dental Treatments That May Be Needed
A chipped or broken tooth requires dental intervention to treat. To repair broken teeth, an emergency dentist can offer the following solutions:
Extraction
If the tooth is beyond the point of repair, it may need to be removed entirely. While this option is a last resort, it may be the only way to reduce the pain that you’re experiencing. The missing tooth can be replaced with a dental bridge or dental implant.
A consultation with your emergency dentist can help you determine which dental treatment option is best for your loose and fractured teeth and if treatments like dental implants are nessasary. While every situation is different, one thing stays the same: the sooner you contact a dental clinic, the better.
Root canal
When decay reaches the pulp chamber, root canals are required to prevent the loss of the tooth. Before your cracked or broken tooth can be filled and repaired, a root canal may be required to remove decay. Oftentimes, the area will need to be sealed with a crown.
Dental filling
To repair cracks, chips, and fractures, fillings can be applied to the damaged tooth. Fillings can be used for more than fixing cavities—they can also repair the appearance of a damaged tooth. Composite fillings match the appearance of your natural teeth.
Full coverage crown
A broken or cracked tooth may not have the structural integrity to support a filling. If this is the case, you will need a crown to reinforce the tooth.
Your dentist can design a custom dental crown that will fit the precise dimensions of your tooth. Crowns will not interfere with your ability to chew, bite, or smile comfortably. With the proper care, they can last for decades.
Crowns are placed on top of your existing tooth. They can cover any discolouration, holes, or cracks that may be visible. Since dental crowns protect vulnerabilities in the tooth, they can prevent you from experiencing pain or sensitivity.
Crowns are strong and long-lasting; they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Restore the appearance and durability of your tooth with a full-coverage crown.
Book Your emergency dental Appointment Today
Dealing with a dental emergency? We can help. The earlier you schedule a dental intervention for a cracked or broken tooth, the better. Untreated cavities make it more likely that you could get a chipped tooth. If your front teeth are broken, you may be dealing with embarrassment on top of the pain.