Did you know that even a minor tooth chip can lead to serious problems, such as an infection and tooth extraction? This highlights the importance of seeing your dentist as soon as possible if you’ve chipped or broken a tooth. In some cases, this is considered a dental emergency. If you’re searching for chipped or broken tooth services in Fort McMurray, you’re likely looking for more information on what to do next.
First, call our dental office right away and inform one of our receptionists about the issue. We’ll advise you to come into our office so a dentist can see you as soon as possible. On your way there, keep reading to learn more about what to expect.
How a chipped or broken tooth is fixed
Breaking a tooth can be quite nerve-racking. Many patients wonder if it can be restored or if they’ll need to take the tooth out completely. It really depends on the severity of the damage but the good news is that we have the technology to repair broken teeth. The result is a natural-looking restoration that no one will even know is there!
Here’s an example of how a chipped or broken tooth is fixed in Fort McMurray. Keep in mind that this may not be the exact procedure as treatment is determined is on a case-by-case basis. Your dentist will:
- Ask you questions about how you chipped your tooth and any pain that you may be experiencing.
- Perform an oral examination to look for any other damages to surrounding teeth. At this point, your dentist may do an X-ray.
- Inform you of the severity of the damage and walk you through the procedure, including the possible use of anesthetics or dental sedation, depending on the type of treatment.
For minor chips, your dentist will file and polish the rough edges of the chipped tooth and apply dental bonding made of composite resins to rebuild the tooth. For severe damage, a crown, onlay, or veneer may be needed to prevent infection.
Does a chipped or broken tooth need to be removed?
This is one of the most common concerns from patients who have broken a tooth. A chipped tooth will only need to be removed if there is extreme damage to the pulp or root. In many cases, this can be resolved with a root canal and placing a crown on the tooth.
When a chipped or broken tooth needs to be removed, it’s to prevent further infection which can lead to severe pain. Your dentist wants to avoid this as much as possible. The damaged tooth is replaced with a dental implant or bridge that looks and functions much like your natural teeth. A tooth replacement is not only for cosmetic purposes, but they are also used to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting which can lead to other dental issues, like crooked teeth.
What happens when a chipped or broken tooth is not fixed?
A chipped or broken tooth is relatively easy to repair for Fort McMurray dentists. If you’ve chipped a tooth, it’s important not to ignore it as it can cause other serious dental problems, including:
- Tooth decay - When a tooth is broken, a piece of the protective enamel is missing which makes it more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
- Painful wounds - The sharp edges of a broken tooth can cut the tongue, gums, and the inside of the cheeks. Eating and talking may become uncomfortable.
- Further damage - A fractured tooth is weakened and is at greater risk of breaking if you chew something hard. What may have been a simple fix can quickly turn into more extensive treatments.
- Infection - If the chip is deep enough, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause abscesses in the pulp and root, a serious dental emergency that can lead to severe pain.
To sum it up, if you’ve broken a tooth, see a dentist right away. At Fort McMurray Family dental clinic, we are here to help prevent pain, other serious dental issues, and to restore your smile quickly and effectively.
