Most of us have experienced it. You are eating your favorite foods, or you slip and fall–something happens and you hear a crack. There is such a distinct feeling when a piece of your tooth is broken off in your mouth. Once this piece of tooth is off, you want to make sure you get it out and collect it. Do not swallow it, and if you do call someone right away. The pieces of your teeth can actually be incredibly sharp and cause digestion pain.
If you can save that piece of tooth, keep it and bring it with to your dentist appointment. The sooner you make this appointment the better. It may be the difference between saving your tooth and extracting it.
What causes a cracked or fractured tooth?
A cracked tooth can be attributed to one of three things, usually.
1. Trauma- Either you cracked your tooth eating something hard, you fell, or something hit you in the face. Some people crack a tooth eating a peanut, others get them cracked by a hockey puck. You never know what it is going to be, but you can be sure it was not fun.
2. Disease- Some people by virtue of bad luck have dental disease or calcium deficiencies and that makes their bones a tad more prone to fracture or breaking.
3. Infection- A lot of people have dental infection, particularly gum infection like gingivitis. If this infection goes unchecked it is only natural that over time it is going to lead to greater problems, like cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth. See the infection attacks the root and structure of the tooth, which makes the inside and out a little more fragile.
When should you see a Dentist after a cracked or fracture tooth?
Many people will opt to wait awhile, especially if there is no immediate pain. This is not the course of action you want to take. Get yourself into the Doctor and get checked out right away. The sooner you get in to be seen the sooner you can be out and about in the world again–with your repaired tooth.
How can the Dentist repair a chipped tooth?
Sometimes they use a smidge of composite bonding and they can add new tooth material, or maybe even reattach your chipped tooth, although his is rare. Usually they will opt to use a composite bonding and some synthetic tooth material, which is then shaped perfectly to the fit of your mouth and your bite, in order to provide the ergonomics of chewing you need. In some cases the root or support of the tooth is fractured as well. In this case you may need the tooth extracted, and you will definitely need the tooth replaced. Living with missing or cracked teeth is a mistake, and it leads to more tooth loss. Ask your dentist today about options to repair, replace, and protect your teeth. The sooner you begin the conversation the sooner you can have your autonomy in dental health back.