A broken or fractured tooth can be a painful and worrying experience. It's important to seek immediate professional help from your dentist to assess the severity of the damage and discuss treatment options. However, there are some things you can do on your own in the meantime to manage the pain and protect your tooth further.
What Causes Broken or Fractured Teeth?
Several things can cause a tooth to break or fracture, including:
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Biting down on hard objects: This is a common cause of broken teeth, especially in children who love to chew on ice or hard candies.
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Trauma: A blow to the face or mouth from an accident or sports injury can fracture a tooth.
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Teeth grinding (bruxism): This can put a lot of stress on the teeth, eventually leading to cracks or fractures.
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Large fillings: Over time, large fillings can weaken the tooth and make it more susceptible to breaking.
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Decay: When a cavity is left untreated, it can weaken the tooth and make it more likely to break.
What to Do if You Break or Fracture a Tooth
If you break or fracture a tooth, here are some steps you can take:
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Rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help to remove any debris and blood from the area.
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Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will help to manage the pain.
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Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. The sooner you see your dentist, the better chance you have of saving the tooth.
Treatment Options for Broken or Fractured Teeth
The treatment for a broken or fractured tooth will depend on the severity of the damage. Here are some common treatment options:
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Bonding: For small chips or cracks, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth using a composite resin bonding material.
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Veneers: If the damage is more extensive, your dentist may recommend a veneer. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of the tooth.
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Crowns: If the tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may need to place a crown over it. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth.
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Root canal therapy: If the fracture extends into the pulp of the tooth, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. This procedure involves removing the damaged pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth.
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Extraction: In some cases, the tooth may be too damaged to be saved, and your dentist may need to extract it.
Prevention of Broken or Fractured Teeth
There are several things you can do to prevent broken or fractured teeth, including:
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Avoid biting down on hard objects. This includes ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels.
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Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. This will help to protect your teeth from impact.
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If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard. This will help to protect your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding.
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See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help to catch any problems early, before they become serious.
Oral Care for Broken or Fractured Teeth
After your tooth has been repaired, it is important to take good care of it to prevent further damage. This includes:
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Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. This will help to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque and bacteria.
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Avoiding hard foods. This will help to prevent your tooth from breaking again.
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Seeing your dentist for regular checkups. This will help to ensure that your tooth is healing properly and that there are no new problems.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your teeth from breaking or fracturing, and if you do experience a broken tooth, you can take steps to manage the pain and get the treatment you need. Your dentist is your best resource for information on oral care and treatment options for broken or fractured teeth.
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A broken or fractured tooth can be a painful and worrying experience. It's important to seek immediate professional help from your dentist to assess the severity of the damage and discuss treatment options. However, there are some things you can do on your own in the meantime to manage the pain and protect your tooth further.