Medicines for Chipped, broken or cracked tooth

What it is

A chipped, broken, or cracked tooth is a common form of dental damage. It can happen from a knock or injury to the mouth (for example a fall, sports injury, or accident), from biting on something hard, from grinding the teeth, or when a tooth is weakened by decay or a large filling. The damage can range from a small chip of the outer surface, to a larger break, to a crack that may extend into the tooth, and the effects vary accordingly. Symptoms depend on the extent of the damage and can include: a visible chip, break, or rough edge; pain or sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet things, or when biting (though some minor chips cause no pain); a sharp edge that irritates the tongue or cheek; and, if the damage is more significant or exposes the inner part of the tooth, more marked pain. Sometimes a crack is not easily visible but causes pain when biting or with temperature changes. A chipped, broken, or cracked tooth should be seen by a dentist, even if it is not painful, because the dentist can assess the extent of the damage, treat it appropriately, and prevent further problems (such as the tooth breaking further, or infection developing if the inner part of the tooth is affected). Treatment depends on the type and extent of the damage, and can range from smoothing a small chip, to a filling or bonding, to a crown for a larger break, to root canal treatment if the inner part (pulp) of the tooth is affected, or, occasionally, removal if the tooth cannot be saved. If a tooth is knocked out completely, that is a dental emergency needing prompt action. The key messages are that a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth is common, that it should be seen by a dentist (even if not painful) so it can be assessed and treated, and that prompt care helps prevent further damage.

How it is treated

A chipped, broken, or cracked tooth should be assessed and treated by a dentist, with the treatment depending on the extent of the damage; prompt care helps prevent further problems. If a tooth is chipped, broken, or cracked, it is best to see a dentist — arranging an appointment promptly, and sooner (as an emergency) if there is significant pain, a large break, bleeding, or an injury to the mouth. Before seeing the dentist, some self-care can help: rinsing the mouth with warm water; using a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling; taking simple pain relief if needed; covering a sharp edge (for example with dental wax if available) to protect the tongue and cheek; and, if a piece of the tooth has come off, keeping it (as it can sometimes be reattached). The dentist will assess the tooth and recommend treatment based on the type and extent of the damage: for a small chip or rough edge, smoothing and polishing, or a tooth-coloured filling or bonding, may be all that is needed; for a larger break, a filling, bonding, an inlay/onlay, or a crown may be used to restore the tooth; if the crack or break has affected the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), root canal treatment may be needed to treat and save the tooth; and, occasionally, if a tooth is too badly damaged to be saved, it may need to be removed (and replacement options discussed). A cracked tooth can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and treat, and the approach depends on the type and depth of the crack. Treating the tooth not only restores it but helps prevent complications such as further breakage, infection, or the tooth being lost. It is important to see a dentist even if the tooth is not painful, as some damage does not cause pain initially but can worsen. Preventing dental damage — such as wearing a mouthguard for relevant sports, treating teeth grinding (for example with a night guard), avoiding biting very hard objects, and maintaining good dental health — is worthwhile. The reassuring messages are that a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth is common and usually treatable — with options ranging from smoothing to fillings, crowns, or root canal treatment depending on the damage — and that seeing a dentist promptly (even if it is not painful) allows the tooth to be assessed and treated and prevents further problems.