Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn’t make it invincible. A chipped or cracked tooth can catch you off guard, and it’s a little unsettling when it happens – especially if there’s any pain involved. It’s worth having it looked at reasonably soon, both for comfort and to help your dentist understand exactly what’s going on underneath.
What usually causes it?
There’s rarely just one culprit. Common causes include biting down on something hard, a knock or fall, a cavity that’s gone untreated and weakened the tooth from within, an old filling that’s become brittle, or habits like chewing ice. Sometimes it’s simply wear and tear catching up with a tooth that’s had a few close calls before.
Why it’s worth attending to
A tooth that’s already chipped or cracked tends to be more vulnerable to further damage, even after it’s been repaired. If there’s an open cavity involved, the exposed area can be more sensitive to sugars and acids in the meantime. None of this means panic is needed – it’s simply a good reason not to leave it too long before getting it checked.
What to do straight away
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear the area. If there’s any bleeding, a cold compress against your cheek can help with swelling. If a piece of the tooth has come away, keep it moist – wrapped in damp gauze or in a small container of milk – and bring it with you to your appointment. If a whole tooth has been knocked out, try placing it back in its socket after rinsing (never scrubbing), it with water; if that’s not possible, keep it in milk and get to a dentist as soon as you reasonably can.
How it’s typically treated
The right approach depends on how much of the tooth is affected. For smaller chips, bonding is often the simplest repair, and it’s worth knowing how long teeth bonding tends to last.
- Dental bonding – for smaller chips, a tooth-coloured resin can be shaped and bonded directly onto the tooth, often in a single visit. You can read more about this on our composite bonding page.
- A dental crown – for larger breaks, a custom-made cap can protect and rebuild the tooth’s shape and strength.
- Veneers – where the concern is more about appearance than structural damage, a veneer can help restore a natural-looking smile.
- Root canal treatment – if the break has exposed the inner pulp of the tooth, this may be needed to clear infection and preserve what remains of the tooth.
Your dentist will only recommend what’s actually appropriate once they’ve had a proper look and, often, an x-ray.
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, our dental emergency team in Quakers Hill can see you promptly, assess the damage, and explain your options before anything is done. Contact us and describe what’s happened, and we’ll fit you in as quickly as we can. Feel better when something hurts.
