Cracked and Chipped Teeth
Treatment for cracked or chipped teeth in Melbourne
Treatment for cracked or chipped teeth in Melbourne
If you end up with a cracked or chipped tooth then it will require a dentist to examine the tooth and advise you of appropriate treatment for fixing the problem. It is common to have a cracked or chipped tooth, but it is never advisable to delay a dentist appointment when you have one, even if it is painless.
The crack or the chip tends to slowly wear down your teeth which can eventually lead to higher sensitivity in the tooth or painfulness and swelling in the gum surrounding the tooth. Since early treatment can avoid complex dental problems at a later time, it is always good to have a dentist analyze the extent of damage and help you with a suitable treatment.
At Healthy Smiles, our team of gentle and caring doctors has worked with many patients suffering from problems of cracked and chipped teeth. We will make sure that you are comfortable, and if needed we also have in-house sleep dentistry services to complete the treatment procedure in a way that you are most comfortable with.
The crack or the chip tends to slowly wear down your teeth which can eventually lead to higher sensitivity in the tooth or painfulness and swelling in the gum surrounding the tooth. Since early treatment can avoid complex dental problems at a later time, it is always good to have a dentist analyze the extent of damage and help you with a suitable treatment.
At Healthy Smiles, our team of gentle and caring doctors has worked with many patients suffering from problems of cracked and chipped teeth. We will make sure that you are comfortable, and if needed we also have in-house sleep dentistry services to complete the treatment procedure in a way that you are most comfortable with.
How much does it cost to treat a cracked and chipped tooth in Blackburn?
The cost of the treatment will vary according to the extent of the damage. You can expect to pay approximately $300 to $600 for dental bonding and crowns can cost you anywhere between $700 and $2100 depending on how bad the damage is.
The difference between chipped and cracked tooth
The difference between chipped and cracked tooth
Chipped and cracked teeth would seem like a cosmetic problem, but sometimes, they may cause severe dental issues based on the extent of the crack or the chip. Out of the two, a cracked tooth tends to pose bigger problems than a chipped one.
When you chip a tooth, it is less likely that you may feel any pain because the chip may not have exposed any nerves. If the chip is big, then it is possible that nerve endings may have been exposed and you may find it painful. Our caring dentists will examine the tooth and suggest if you require a crown or dental bonding, or a veneer to solve the problem.
When your tooth cracks, it can cause considerable damage to the enamel and the roots. cracked teeth are weak and they are highly prone to further damage and complications if it goes untreated. At Healthy Smiles, our dentists will make you comfortable as they examine your cracked teeth and suggest a suitable treatment plan. If it is very painful then we have an in-house sleep dentistry facility which can be utilized if you suffer dental anxiety or fear of dental tools.
When you chip a tooth, it is less likely that you may feel any pain because the chip may not have exposed any nerves. If the chip is big, then it is possible that nerve endings may have been exposed and you may find it painful. Our caring dentists will examine the tooth and suggest if you require a crown or dental bonding, or a veneer to solve the problem.
When your tooth cracks, it can cause considerable damage to the enamel and the roots. cracked teeth are weak and they are highly prone to further damage and complications if it goes untreated. At Healthy Smiles, our dentists will make you comfortable as they examine your cracked teeth and suggest a suitable treatment plan. If it is very painful then we have an in-house sleep dentistry facility which can be utilized if you suffer dental anxiety or fear of dental tools.
What can cause my teeth to crack or chip?
Chipped and cracked teeth result from a sudden pressure created on the teeth. Some reasons why you may end up with a chipped or cracked tooth are:
Accidents
Accidents
Car injuries or trips and falls are common reasons why people may suffer from cracked and chipped teeth. Since accidents cannot be anticipated, immediate treatment of the affected tooth is the best way to deal with chipped or cracked teeth resulting from accidents.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding
People who suffer from bruxism which is a condition where you involuntarily grind your teeth, have a higher risk of developing chipped teeth.
Sports injuries
Sports injuries
Playing contact sports can involve injuries to your mouth if you do not use safety gear like mouth guards.
Using teeth to tear or bite hard materials
Using teeth to tear or bite hard materials
Sometimes, we may use our teeth to crank open a small bottle cap or to tear open plastic objects, or bite on hard nuts and crack open nutshells. These things can lead to dental injuries including chipped teeth if you are not careful.
Factors that contribute to chipping and cracking of teeth
Dental fillings
Dental fillings
When your dental fillings are very large it may weaken your tooth and sometimes lead to a crack when you use the tooth for biting something.
Poor diet
Poor diet
Diets that include lots of sugary or acidic foods and drinks cause your tooth enamel to wear down. This weakens the integrity of your tooth making it more prone to chips and cracks.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders
If you have a tendency to vomit often then the acids in the vomit can slowly erode your teeth and weaken it over time.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay
The microorganisms causing tooth decay, slowly eradicate your tooth enamel and make its way to the root. This makes the decayed tooth more vulnerable to damage.
Effects of Cracked or Chipped Teeth
When your tooth suffers a chip or a crack, it will continue to deteriorate. Sometimes the process of deterioration is so slow that it may not be noticeable for months or even years before you start experiencing painfulness or other dental problems rooted in the chipped or cracked tooth. Some of the effects of cracked and chipped teeth are:
Painfulness and tooth sensitivity
Painfulness and tooth sensitivity
Once you have an exposed nerve or the crack reaches the root of your tooth, your teeth will become very sensitive. Eating very hot or cold foods can be difficult and sometimes, any kind of contact can trigger the pain.
Swollen gums
Swollen gums
A swollen gum would usually be the result of a crack and not a chip. Cracked teeth can affect the roots and cause your gums to swell up making it difficult to chew from the affected region of your mouth.
Dental abscess
Dental abscess
Bacteria can enter from the chipped or cracked part of your tooth and make its way to the root, where it leads to an infection. As a result, the area suffers from inflammation and an abscess at the tip of the root.
Bad breath
Bad breath
The bacteria that settles in the chipped or cracked tooth can cause bad breath making it embarrassing for you to speak freely in social gatherings or talk in close proximity with someone.
Solving problems of cracked and chipped teeth at Healthy Smiles in Blackburn
If you have suffered a chipped or cracked tooth or you have been living with one, then we recommend a visit to our clinic as early as possible to prevent any further damage to your teeth. We have gentle and caring dentists who will make sure you are comfortable and will address the problem in the best way for you. An examination of the affected tooth will help us identify a suitable treatment procedure which we will share with you. Sometimes, a dental X-ray may be required to identify the extent of the crack.
Solutions include the use of dental filling to seal the crack or the use of dental bonding to make a chipped tooth appear natural again. In some cases, a dental crown or a veneer may be used to give your set of teeth a natural look. Other procedures like a root canal may be used if the damage done to your tooth is very severe.
Our dentists will work with the goal of reducing the pain you experienced and making sure that your teeth can regain as much strength as possible.
Solutions include the use of dental filling to seal the crack or the use of dental bonding to make a chipped tooth appear natural again. In some cases, a dental crown or a veneer may be used to give your set of teeth a natural look. Other procedures like a root canal may be used if the damage done to your tooth is very severe.
Our dentists will work with the goal of reducing the pain you experienced and making sure that your teeth can regain as much strength as possible.
First Aid for Chipped and Cracked Tooth
If you end up with a chipped or cracked tooth, these first aid tips can help you relieve pain or reduce the damage temporarily until you visit our dental clinic in Blackburn.
Cover sharp edges
Cover sharp edges
If the chip or crack has created a sharp edge which can injure the soft tissues of your mouth, then use a sugar-free chewing gum, dental wax, a gauze, or a tea bag to cover the edge and avoid further injury.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Pain relievers can be helpful if the pain is unbearable. If you have any health condition or are taking any medicines then remember to check with your doctor before taking a pain reliever. Use the medicines as directed. Avoid placing the pill on the affected area directly since it can cause chemical burns.
Use an ice pack for swelling and pain
Use an ice pack for swelling and pain
Ice packs are helpful in managing pain and swelling if you suffer from either of these as a result of the chipped or cracked tooth.
Avoid pressure to your teeth
Avoid pressure to your teeth
Since the extent of the damage is not known, avoid creating any pressure on your teeth or gums. This includes avoiding sipping anything from straws or biting down on hard and chewy foods.
Don’t eat very hot or cold foods
Don’t eat very hot or cold foods
Since some nerve endings may be exposed as a result of the chip or crack, you must avoid causing further damage. Hot and cold foods irritate the nerves and cause pain.
What should I do if my tooth chips or cracks?
What should I do if my tooth chips or cracks?
After carrying out first aid treatment, you must visit us as soon as possible even if it is painless. A careful analysis of the damaged tooth will ensure that problems are fixed early. Our dentists are very gentle and caring. They take the time to understand the problems you are facing and to analyze the tooth. All treatments are done with your comfort in mind.
Timely treatment can save you from unwanted dental expenses at a later stage. It also reduces chances of pain and discomfort that you may have to experience if the condition worsens.
Timely treatment can save you from unwanted dental expenses at a later stage. It also reduces chances of pain and discomfort that you may have to experience if the condition worsens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file the sharp edge of a chipped or cracked tooth?
A few videos have been promoting the filing of sharp teeth edges and our dentists have been very concerned about it. Filing a tooth can weaken its integrity and cause you to damage the tooth enamel. If you have a sharp edge caused by a chip then use a gum or a gauze to cover the edge and visit our clinic for prompt treatment.
Can cracked teeth heal themselves?
Teeth do not heal themselves. A crack may get worse if bacteria ends up affecting the crack and spreading to the rest of the tooth, including the roots.
Does a chipped tooth need fixing?
Chipped teeth pose the risk of damage to your teeth at a later stage because the chipped is weak and more susceptible to bacterial growth.
Can I fix my chipped teeth at home?
There is no permanent way to fix a chipped tooth at home. We have shared first aid tips that can reduce pain or provide early care for the damaged tooth but a visit to the dentist is necessary to ensure that you do not suffer from dental problems caused by the chipped tooth.
Why did my tooth chip for no reason?
Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to grow on your teeth, causing discoloration and gradual deterioration of the teeth. Eventually, your teeth may become so weak that they may chip for no reason.
Can a hairline crack in my tooth become a problem?
A craze line is often mistaken as a crack, but if you notice any abnormal lines on your teeth then it is ideal to visit a dentist and get it checked.