A Chipped tooth is a common dental problem that can occur due to trauma, decay, and chewing on hard foods. An affected tooth can produce pain, sensitivity, swelling, and or problems in chewing depending on the location and severity of the fracture. In case of a broken tooth, you should quickly visit your dentist to avoid further damage or infection. Your dentist will examine your tooth and tell you the proper way to handle your case.

How can a broken tooth be treated?

If you have had a broken tooth it can be repaired by a dentist using a filling or if the breakage is large it may need something more substantial like a crown. If the damage is to a front tooth, the dentist may use a treatment called bonding, which involves using a tooth-colored composite resin.

How to know if there is a broken tooth dental emergency?

Yes, a broken tooth is considered a dental emergency and requires a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. This is because a broken tooth can lead to pain, sensitivity, difficulty in chewing, and other complications if left untreated. The dentist will evaluate the severity of the damage and provide the necessary treatment to restore the tooth’s structure and function.

What should you do when your tooth breaks?

A broken tooth may or may not be painful depending on how size and depth of the fracture. If the break is small and superficial it would not be painful as it does not involve any nerves or blood vessels. However, if the break is large and deep involving the pulp or nerve of the tooth it can cause pain. Bacteria can also infect the exposed pulp, causing an infection or discoloration of the remaining tooth over time. Additionally, pain can also result from the injury that caused the tooth to break.

What measures should be taken while your tooth is broken?

• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could further damage a broken tooth requiring more extensive treament.
• If you can’t bring your upper and lower teeth together while closing your mouth, see a dentist urgently as this could indicate a more severe damage.
• Gather the broken pieces and take them to the dentist.
• Rinse the remaining tooth with mouthwash to remove debris.
• Avoid applying heat as it can cause the swelling if the tooth is infected.
• Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any exposed dentin or pulp, as this could lead to future complications.

What happens after getting this treatment?

Correct treatment for a broken tooth varies based on the extent of damage. If the pulp inside the tooth is damaged or infected, it will need a root canal treatment and may require a temporary crown. In some cases, a broken tooth can be repaired with a filling or bonding if the chip is small.

Preventive measures such as wearing sports mouthguards can help avoid future accidents leading to broken teeth. Dentists can provide various treatment options to restore your smile after a tooth break.

At Guildford Dental Centre, whether you are a new patient or our regular client, you can feel at ease knowing that we try our best to offer same-day visits to attend to matters of unfortunate dental emergencies. We are also available for extended times on Mondays and Thursdays for those who cannot see us during normal work hours.

Our team is committed to the idea of pain-free dentistry and offers support for dental trauma or pain that cannot wait for treatment on another day.

We will try our best to ensure your dental emergencies are attended to at the earliest and you can leave us feeling comfortable and pain-free. Call our friendly team now on 08 6104 0370 and book an appointment.