Chipped Teeth vs. Cracked Teeth
Imagine your smile as a trusty coffee mug. Daily use is fine until a chip or crack unexpectedly appears. A chipped tooth usually involves a minor break affecting only the outer enamel. A chipped tooth may seem insignificant, a small matter for cosmetic dentistry, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Without early treatment, what starts as a simple chip can turn into a more serious concern.
A cracked tooth is more concerning, featuring a tooth fracture that may extend from the top to the root, compromising the entire tooth. You should see your Perth Dentist as soon as possible if a crack is suspected to prevent further damage, such as infection or tooth loss.
Common Causes of Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chipped or broken teeth can result from various factors.
Accidental Trauma: Accidental trauma is a leading cause of a broken tooth; such incidents can cause significant damage to adult teeth. If trauma leads to a severe cracked tooth, seeing a South Perth Dentist is vital.
Sports Injuries: Sports injuries are a common cause of cracked teeth due to high-impact collisions. Athletes should wear mouthguards to protect their teeth from injury while playing contact sports.
Biting Hard Objects: Biting hard foods or objects puts unnecessary biting pressure on teeth, which can lead to a tooth crack.
Cavities: Cavities can undermine the integrity of a tooth, leading to a broken tooth. If a cavity is suspected, you should immediately see your South Perth dentist to prevent a fractured tooth.
Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, you may be unaware of the damage until you have a fractured tooth. Bruxism often requires specialized treatment to protect against cracked teeth.
Age: Our teeth can become more susceptible to cracks as we age, and a broken tooth in older age is not uncommon. Regular check-ups can prevent the need for emergency fractured tooth repair.
Large Fillings or Restorations: Large fillings or restorations can weaken the remaining structure of a natural tooth, making it more prone to a tooth crack.
Improper Use of Teeth: Using teeth as tools for opening packages or other improper uses can lead to a broken or chipped tooth. Such habits put undue stress on natural tooth enamel.
Types of Tooth Cracks
Teeth are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. They can get chips and breaks just like a porcelain plate might. Let’s look at the different ways this can happen, from tiny scratches to big breaks.
Craze Lines
Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only a tooth’s outer enamel. These hairline cracks are often superficial and may not require treatment unless the crack extends into the deeper layers of the tooth’s surface.
Fractured Cusp
A fractured cusp typically occurs around a dental filling and does not usually damage the tooth’s pulp. This type of fracture may present as a jagged edge on the tooth’s chewing surface, which can be smoothed out or restored to maintain the chewing surface integrity.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth refers to a crack that extends from the chewing surface downwards towards the root. Treating a cracked tooth early is important because if the crack extends, it can reach the gum line and cause significant pain and damage.
Split Tooth
A split tooth results from a long-term progression of a cracked tooth where the crack has deepened, causing the tooth to split into distinct segments. This type of crack can extend from the tooth’s surface down to below the gum line.
Vertical Root Fracture
Vertical root fractures are serious fractures that start at the tooth’s root and extend upwards towards the chewing surface, often remaining undetected until they cause pain or lead to infection of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. These fractures differ significantly from superficial craze lines, which typically only affect the enamel. The grave concern with vertical root fractures lies in their potential to compromise the tooth’s structural integrity, sometimes necessitating advanced treatment options such as endodontic surgery or extraction. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent the tooth from splitting into separate parts, which can result from an untreated vertical root fracture.
Treatments Your Dentist May Recommend for Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Facing a cracked or broken tooth can be distressing, but effective treatments are available. Early treatment is crucial to avoid further injury and maintain oral health. A dentist’s approach typically depends on the severity of the damage.
From simple fixes to more complex restorations, your dentist may offer a solution that not only aims to relieve symptoms but also restores the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
Simple Fixes for Minor Chips
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a quick and efficient treatment for small cracks or chips. During this procedure, a plastic resin—a durable, tooth-coloured material—is applied directly to the damaged tooth. The resin is carefully moulded to match the natural contours of your tooth. Once the desired shape is achieved, it’s hardened with a special light, providing a seamless result.
Tooth Contouring: Tooth contouring can be an ideal option when the damage is minimal. This technique involves gently reshaping the damaged tooth by smoothing out any sharp, pain-inducing edges or minor imperfections. The process is akin to sculpting, where precise tools are used to subtly alter the tooth’s surface, enhancing its overall appearance and preventing irritation from tooth cracks.
Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are a fantastic cosmetic solution if the chip or crack is too large for bonding. These thin, custom-made shells are crafted in a dental lab and are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. Veneers are bonded to the damaged teeth, effectively concealing imperfections and providing a durable, long-lasting cracked tooth repair.
Advanced Treatments for Serious Cracks
Dental Crowns: A dental crown serves as a protective cover for a seriously damaged or broken tooth, providing strength and preventing potential breakage. It’s essentially a custom-made porcelain or ceramic cap to fit over the entire tooth. A crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, and function while enhancing its appearance. It acts as a shield against tooth cracks, distributing biting pressure evenly to avert further damage.
Root Canal Treatment: When a cracked tooth extends into the pulp tissue, it can jeopardize the blood vessels and nerves housed within, leading to poor pulp health. In such cases, a root canal becomes necessary. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged or infected pulp, cleaning the inner chambers of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent reinfection. After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a dental crown to ensure its strength and functionality.
Dental Implant: In instances where the cracked teeth cannot be salvaged, or a significant portion of the tooth is missing, a dental implant offers a permanent solution. An implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, inserted into the jawbone. Once integrated with the bone, it’s topped with a crown, bridge, or denture to replicate the look and function of natural teeth. If the thought of undergoing dental implant surgery causes you anxiety, sleep dentistry may be the ideal solution for you. This approach uses general anaesthesia to ensure a comfortable and anxiety-free experience during the procedure. With sleep dentistry, even the most apprehensive patients can comfortably receive dental implants, transforming their dental experience into a serene and painless journey.
When Repairs Are Not Feasible
Tooth Extraction: Sometimes, when a cracked tooth is too compromised, it may not be viable for repair. In such scenarios, a dentist may advise tooth extraction as the most prudent course of action to maintain oral health.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A little care can go a long way in keeping your teeth intact. Here are some smile-saving strategies:
Watch What You Chew: Steer clear of chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, which can put undue stress on your teeth.
Gear Up: Always wear a mouthguard when engaging in sports or activities that could result in a blow to the face.
Kick the Grind: If you find yourself grinding your teeth, especially at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect your pearly whites.
Mind the Temperature: Avoid quickly switching between very hot and cold foods or beverages to prevent thermal shock to your teeth.
Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with your dental appointments. Your dentist can spot and reinforce weak spots in your teeth before they turn into cracks.
Symptoms that Indicate a Dental Visit Is Necessary
It’s important to listen to what your teeth are telling you. Here are some signs that you should make an appointment with your dentist:
Pain When Chewing: If biting down causes discomfort or pain, it could be a sign of a crack.
Sensitivity to Temperatures: A sudden twinge when eating something hot or cold can be a red flag.
Swelling Gums: Swollen gums around a tooth could indicate a crack has become an abode for bacteria.
Discomfort that Comes and Goes: Persistent or intermittent toothache is a signal that something’s not right.
Risks of Delaying Treatment for a Broken or Chipped Tooth
Delaying treatment for a broken or chipped tooth increases the risk of infection as bacteria can infiltrate through cracks, potentially leading to more serious issues. What starts as a minor discomfort can escalate into significant pain, requiring urgent attention if not promptly dealt with.
Furthermore, procrastinating on dental visits can compromise the tooth’s structural integrity and result in more complex, costly treatments down the line.
FAQs About Chipped and Cracked Teeth
How quickly should I seek treatment if I chip or crack a tooth?
If you chip or crack a tooth, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the damage is severe, such as a large crack or a piece of the tooth has fallen out, you should seek immediate dental care. This is important to prevent more damage or infection, which can lead to more serious issues.
Can chipped or cracked teeth affect my overall health?
If a chipped or cracked tooth is not treated, it can lead to infections that may spread beyond your mouth and into your body. This can cause further health problems, particularly if the infection reaches the bloodstream.
What are the signs that a cracked tooth is serious?
If you feel pain when chewing, notice a change in tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, or see visible lines or cracks in your tooth, these could be signs that the crack is serious. If the crack has reached the inner layers of your tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are, this generally requires more urgent and intensive treatment like a root canal.
How can I prevent my teeth from chipping or cracking in the first place?
You can protect your teeth by avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, which can cause chips or cracks. Wearing a mouthguard during sports can help prevent damage from physical impact. Also, using a night guard can protect your teeth if you grind them in your sleep, which is a common cause of chipping and cracking.
Are there any new treatments for chipped or cracked teeth that I should know about?
While traditional treatments like fillings, crowns, and veneers are still commonly used, advancements in dental materials and techniques have made these options more effective and long-lasting. Your dentist might also use more advanced adhesives and reinforced composite materials that better mimic the strength and appearance of natural teeth.
How does the treatment for a chipped tooth differ from a cracked tooth?
Treatment depends on the extent of the damage. For minor chips, dental bonding might be sufficient. For a cracked tooth, especially if the crack extends into the pulp, more complex treatments like a crown or root canal may be necessary to protect the tooth from further damage and restore its function.
What should I do if a chipped or cracked tooth doesn’t hurt? Should I still see a dentist?
You should still see a dentist even if there’s no pain. Not all dental damage causes immediate pain, but it can worsen over time and lead to more serious issues. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and determine if treatment is necessary to prevent further complications.
Let Acts Dental Protect Your Smile
At Acts Dental, we understand the urgency of broken tooth repair. Our skilled team is ready to deliver quick and effective solutions to protect and enhance your smile.
Acts Dental offers offers other high quality dental care services, including wisdom teeth removal in Perth, emergency dental care, dental implant, teeth whitening, and tooth extractions.
We are also proud to announce that our dental practice is a HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, Bupa preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, and Medibank preferred provider dentist in Perth. Schedule your appointment with us by calling (08) 9474 5083, and let’s give your teeth the care they deserve. You can also book online. Trust in Acts Dental to keep your smile bright and healthy!