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Chipped or Broken Teeth

Teeth can chip or break for several reasons, such as biting on something hard, grinding your teeth, or experiencing an accident. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Without treatment, a chip or break in your tooth can lead to further damage and even tooth loss.

Restore Your Naturally Beautiful Smile with Our Services for Chipped or Broken Teeth.

Chips and breaks can occur whenever a tooth collides with a hard surface. It might result from an accident, or it might happen gradually over time as your teeth degrade.

Not only is a chipped or broken tooth painful, but it can also be dangerous to your health. Without treatment, a broken or chipped tooth can lead to serious problems, including infection and nerve damage. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that the tooth will need to be extracted.

AP Dental offers a variety of treatment options for patients with chipped or broken teeth. Dental crowns and fillings can restore the structural integrity of a tooth, while dental veneers can improve its appearance. It is also possible to save a tooth from extraction with root canal therapy. We use the latest techniques and materials to make your smile look natural and beautiful. The experienced dentists at AP Dental will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.

Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped or broken teeth may be caused by various factors.

One of the most common ways people damage their teeth is by biting down on hard substances. It can be anything from ice chips to hard candy, and even your teeth can’t always handle the pressure, especially if you already have weakened enamel.
Sometimes, a fall or car accident can lead to a chipped or broken tooth. If you fall or are in a car accident, there is a chance that you could hit your mouth on something and break or chip a tooth.
Grinding your teeth when you sleep can gradually wear down the enamel and make them more susceptible to breakage.
Playing contact sports without a custom mouthguard is a major risk factor, as a direct hit to the mouth can easily damage teeth.

Dental Services that Can Address Chipped or Broken Teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped or Broken Teeth

How will I know if I chipped or broke my tooth?

One way you can tell if you have a chipped tooth is by running your tongue over the surface. You will feel a sharp, jagged edge if you chipped or broke your tooth. However, if the chip is small, you may not even feel it. Other symptoms may include irritation of the gum around the chipped tooth and irritation of your tongue when it catches on the sharp or jagged edge of the tooth. You may also feel pain from the pressure of biting on the tooth, particularly if the chip is close to the nerves. If you think you may have a chipped or broken tooth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at AP Dental. We can assess the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What happens if I don't address my chipped or broken teeth?

A broken or chipped tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue — without treatment, it can lead to serious dental problems. Minor chips can usually be left alone, but if there are sharp, jagged edges, you could end up cutting your tongue or cheeks.

While a minor chip may not require treatment, a more significant break that exposes the dental pulp can leave the tooth susceptible to infection. If the chip or break is not addressed, various health problems can occur, such as infection spreading to the neck and head. Furthermore, a chipped or broken tooth can be painful, making eating and speaking difficult.

How do I prevent chipping or breaking my teeth in the future?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent chipping or breaking your teeth in the future:

Don’t bite or chew on hard foods and items. This includes ice, hard candy, bones, and pens.
Don’t open bottles or packages using your teeth. It can put undue stress on your teeth and increase the risk of breakage.
Wear a custom mouthguard when playing contact sports or engaging in high fall risk activities. It will help cushion your teeth in a fall or collision.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep. It will help prevent damage to your teeth from clenching and grinding.
Maintain a tooth-healthy diet. This means plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K intake and less sugary snacks and drinks like soda.
Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities and decay.

How do I care for my chipped or broken tooth while waiting for my dental appointment?

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it’s important to take care of it immediately to avoid further damage. To clean your mouth, rinse it with warm water. In case of bleeding, apply pressure to stop the flow. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate any discomfort. To reduce swelling, you can apply a cold compress. Wrap the chipped or broken tooth in wet gauze and take it to the dentist if you can find it. There may be a chance for the dentist to reattach it.

Get a Smile that Stands Out

At AP Dental, we are proud to offer a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of our patients. From professional cleanings and dental fillings to more complex procedures, we are here to help you maintain a brighter, healthier smile. Book your appointment today and see the difference our team can make.