03 Mar What to Do If You Chip or Break a Tooth
Have you ever bitten down on something and felt a sudden pain? Or ripped open a package with your teeth and thought, “Well that wasn’t a good idea.” If you ever damage one of your teeth, it’s a good idea to see a dentist, even if you don’t feel any pain. Damaged teeth are more vulnerable to infections and decay, so it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible. Here’s what to do if you chip or break a tooth.
What Causes a Tooth to Break?
When a tooth is already weak from enamel erosion or decay, the force of your jaw could be enough to break it. Sometimes the culprit is a nut or a piece of hard candy, but accidents and injuries to the mouth can also cause tooth fractures. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard if you play competitive sports like baseball, football, or hockey.
However, more often than not, it’s misusing your teeth that causes harm. Chewing on things like ice cubes or toothpicks, and ripping off tags or opening packages with your teeth can do some serious damage. So can bad habits like nail-biting, or even unconscious habits like grinding your teeth (bruxism).
What to Do If You Break a Tooth
The best thing you can do if you break a tooth is make a dentist appointment. Even if it’s just a small chip, breaking a tooth can expose the pulp inside to bacteria and infections. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the more vulnerable the damaged tooth will become. It’s important to get a broken tooth repaired right away, so that you can prevent infections and decay.
Will I Need a Crown If I Break a Tooth?
If it’s just a small chip or crack, all you will need is a filling. But even if it’s a substantial crack or if a large portion of the tooth broke off, you might still be able to avoid a crown if you go to the right dentist. Unlike your average drill-and-fill dentists, we always try to prevent the need for invasive treatments like crowns and root canals.
Instead, we use biomimetic treatments to repair damaged, weak, or decayed teeth by sealing them against infections. This method saves the natural tooth and eliminates the need for 60% to 90% of root canal and crown procedures. Compared to conventional fillings and crowns, biomimetic restorations not only last longer, they are also less likely to crack or break.
Restorative Dentistry from a Holistic Perspective
At Prescott Dentistry, prevention is our primary focus. If you ever chip or break a tooth, prompt attention will prevent further damage as well as the need for invasive treatments like crowns and root canals. Biomimetic dental materials are safer and longer-lasting, and if you have any risk of allergic reactions, we also offer compatibility testing. Experience the holistic difference for yourself—contact us to make a dental appointment today.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/24/25.