There are many ways you can chip or break a tooth: biting down on a popcorn kernel, grinding your teeth, injury from contact sports, etc. A cracked tooth can have increased sensitivity and may even feel painful; luckily, a dentist can help.
First of all, if your tooth has chipped or cracked then there are steps you need to take. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water in order to keep it clean. If there is any swelling, then apply a cold compress to your face. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so you can prevent decay, infection, and other damage from developing in your tooth.
Depending on the severity of the crack, there are several ways a dentist can treat a chipped or broken tooth by using:
- Dental Bonding: Bonding is when a resin putty is applied to teeth to fix chips and minor cosmetic issues. This resin is hardened with a curing light and can match your tooth-color.
- Tooth Contouring: Some dentist will fix a chip by reshaping your tooth. They file away small parts of the enamel to smooth the tooth surface and shape.
- Dental Veneers: Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells applied to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can be used not only for damaged teeth, but to cover crooked, stained, and misshapen ones as well.
- Dental Crowns: A dental crown has many purposes, one of which is to cover and protect broken teeth. After the tooth is prepared, a dental crown attaches over it.