chipped or broken tooth or dental appliance
overview
a chip or break in a tooth may occur suddenly with an injury or develop slowly over time because of wear and tear. a chip, crack, or break in the tooth enamel is less serious than one to a deeper layer of your tooth. a chip may result from grinding the teeth at night. a dentist can recommend a course of treatment for you.
breaks (fractures), defects, or cracks that go deep into the tooth and involve most of the top (crown) of permanent teeth must be checked by a dentist. deep fractures or cracks can lead to inflammation, infection, or death of the tooth. the centre of the tooth (pulp) must be protected within a few hours of the injury to increase the chances of saving the tooth. root canal treatment or a restoration may be needed. a restoration, such as a crown, will cover the tooth and hold the tooth together.
bleeding is serious when it occurs inside a permanent tooth after the tooth has been broken. prompt dental treatment can often prevent the tooth from dying.
a sharp piece of tooth or dental appliance, such as an orthodontic wire, may irritate your mouth and, if left in a mouth wound, can delay healing and lead to infection or scarring. a broken dental appliance can interfere with your ability to open and close your mouth or can be accidentally swallowed. a dentist can smooth the rough edges of the tooth, replace pieces of the tooth, or fix the broken dental appliance.
credits
current as of: august 6, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: august 6, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
