Chipped Tooth SW Calgary

Chipped Tooth Springbank Calgary

The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. It is made to withstand daily biting, chewing, and eating so you can enjoy the food you love. However, when direct forces are applied, the enamel may also chip, crack, or break. When this happens, smiling confidently or eating comfortably may be hard.

So, if you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, it is best to go to your dentist for urgent treatment. Doing so prevents further damage to your tooth, the risk of infection, and potentially losing your tooth.

To help you understand further, we have compiled all the information you need to know about a chipped tooth. We will also explain the possible treatment options our chipped tooth dentist in SW Calgary can recommend for saving your tooth.

Chipped vs Cracked vs Broken Tooth – What are they?

First, let us shed some light on what these terms mean. They may sound similar and are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different situations.

Chipped Tooth

Say you are eating your favourite food, an apple. After biting on your apple, you feel on your tongue a sharp point on your tooth. When you check on your tooth, you find that your tooth has chipped. A chipped tooth indicates small to moderate size damage to the tooth. Depending on the size, you may experience some tooth sensitivity.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth happens when a break runs from one side of the tooth to another without completely separating the tooth parts. This may affect just the tooth enamel or involve more structures depending on the force applied to the tooth.

Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is a relatively larger chip on the tooth. This may extend further from just the tooth enamel to expose the tooth pulp. Because there is more significant damage, you may experience more pain from a broken tooth than just a chipped tooth.

There is also what we call a Knocked Out tooth. This happens in severe accidents when the tooth is completely pulled out of its socket.

What are the leading causes of a chipped tooth?

Some of the common causes of a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth that we encounter at our SW Calgary clinic are:

• Weakened tooth due to cavities, poor oral hygiene
• Chewing on hard objects and food
• Imbalanced or incorrect bite
• Night-grinding or teeth clenching
• Accidental trauma from a hard hit

What to do if a permanent tooth is chipped or knocked out?

If you have chipped or knocked out your tooth, do not panic. Here are some tips on what to do during this dental emergency.

Done correctly, these can improve the chances of your dentist being able to preserve your tooth:

• Retrieve the tooth and all tooth fragments
• Slot the knocked-out tooth back in its place
• If reinsertion of the tooth back in the socket is not possible, store it, and all tooth fragments, in a container with your saliva or with full milk
• Place a cold compress if facial swelling is present
• Call your emergency dentist immediately

Treatment Options for Chipped, Cracked, Fractured Tooth

The treatment and management of a chipped tooth depend on the extent of the damage and the presence of other symptoms. Upon arrival at Springbank Hill clinic in Calgary, our chipped tooth dentist in SW Calgary will assess your tooth using diagnostic tools, including an X-ray. This is crucial for proper diagnosis, which leads to a more efficient treatment. After diagnosis, only then can we provide a proper treatment.

Dental Bonding

For a minor chip on the front tooth, your dentist may recommend a tooth bonding. This is a very conservative way to restore the tooth. The treatment involves shaping a tooth-coloured composite resin and curing it in place to revitalize its natural beauty and function.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the best solution if you chipped one of your back teeth. This is done on larger chips on the tooth for a more durable restoration. This is also an excellent option for a cracked tooth where your dentist at Springbank Hill can cover the crack. Using fillings, your dentist can glue the tooth parts back together to prevent the crack from getting bigger.

Dental Veneers

Another solution is dental veneers. This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment designed to enhance the size, shape, and colour of teeth for a more harmonious smile. At Springbank Hill Dental in Calgary, tooth veneers can be made from porcelain. Porcelain material mimics the appearance of a real tooth for a more beautiful smile.

Dental Crowns

If you have a chip on the tooth of a significant size, dental crowns may be a better fix. A dental crown “caps” the entire tooth to reinforce its structure, function, and appearance. This is perfect for restoration of a back tooth as it requires a more durable fix to make it more reliable when eating and chewing.

Nightguards for Chipped Tooth

If your tooth chipped due to night-grinding or bruxism, your dentist will prescribe the use of a customized mouthguard as an adjunct to your restorative treatment. This protects your teeth and the tooth restoration from heavy grinding, gnashing, and clenching of the the teeth.

Not only do nightguards maintain the aesthetics of your smile, but it also reduces jaw strain for a more comfortable bite.

Treatment for Knocked Out Teeth

For a tooth that is completely removed from its place, a different approach is required. Your dentist will still try to save the tooth through root canal treatment and splinting. This treatment involves placing a bond between the loose tooth and the adjacent teeth for improved stability. When the gums have recovered and the tooth is already properly supported with bone, the splint can be removed.

But if preserving the tooth is no longer plausible, your dentist in Springbank Hill will explore other options to restore and rejuvenate your smile.

Smile Confidently with Springbank Hill Dental

Having a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can cause a dent in your self-esteem. Find out what our dentists at Springbank Hill Dental can do for you and your smile by contacting us at 404 – 454 – 4757.