What to do when you chip a tooth? The first thing you should do is immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area carefully. If you notice any swelling, apply a cold compress to the exterior of your cheek. Most importantly, avoid biting down on or using the tooth forcefully until you can see a dentist.
Knowing what to do and what to expect is important apart from wondering: can a cracked tooth heal on its own? Let’s answer all these important questions.
How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked?
A chip usually feels like a rough edge on the surface of your tooth, often noticed while running your tongue over it. Cracks, however, can be invisible but much more serious, especially if they extend beneath the gumline.
Here’s a quick way to spot and classify a cracked tooth and a chipped tooth, so you have the right information about what to do when you chip a tooth.
Distinct Feature | Chipped Tooth | Cracked Tooth |
Visible Damage | Edge or corner missing | Fine line that may be vertical, horizontal or diagonal |
Sensitivity | Occasional discomfort | Pain on biting, sensitivity to temperature |
Urgency | Moderate but treatment is recommended | High! It requires prompt evaluation |
Healing Potential | Cannot heal on its own. A cosmetic repair often suffices | Cannot heal on its own. You might need a root canal or crown |
Noticing such minute details and concluding can be challenging. That’s why, if you’re unsure, avoid chewing on that side and make a quick trip to the dentist.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth can be due to:
- Biting into hard foods like nuts, candy, or ice
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep, which is common if you have a stressful lifestyle
- Accidents like an intense fall or a sports injury
- Sudden temperature changes (hot coffee consumed right after having chilled water)
- Even disproportionately large fillings that weaken the tooth structure
Many amongst us face this stressful situation that often comes up just before that important event you cannot miss.
Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own?
No, a cracked tooth will not heal on its own, but prompt treatment from a dentist can stop it from worsening. Unlike other tissues, tooth enamel does not regenerate. Once a crack forms, it may worsen over time. Also, because teeth don’t repair like our bones or skin does.
Cracks can deepen over time and allow bacteria to enter and cause infections. Bacterial invasion can lead to decay of the pulp (inner nerve), resulting in significant discomfort or even serious harm to your health.
That’s why, “Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?” can be safely answered: it cannot.
What Risk Do Various Types of Tooth Damage Carry?
While the types of tooth damage are best determined by a professional, you can look out for common signs before making a decision on visiting a restorative dentist or prosthodontist.
Type of Tooth Damage | Common Signs to Notice | What’s the Risk Level |
Minor Chip | Sharp edge, no pain | Low, but needs smoothing |
Enamel Crack | Sensitivity to cold/hot, no pain | Medium |
Cracked Tooth | Pain when biting, temperature sensitivity | High |
Vertical Root Fracture | Deep pain, infection, swelling | Critical |
At Your Healthy Smile Dentists, we offer a thorough analysis and gentle treatment. Patients trust us when it comes to treating chipped or cracked teeth.
What to Do When You Chip a Tooth Before Seeing a Dentist?
Even a small chip can expose inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, so acting quickly is essential. Follow our steps that tell you what to do when you chip a tooth
- Stay calm and assess the damage.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear debris and reduce the risk of any infection.
- If there’s noticeable bleeding, gently press clean gauze or a soft cloth against the affected area.
- Preserve any broken fragments.
- Place the fragments in a clean container of milk or your own saliva to keep them moist.
- Place the fragments in a clean container of milk or your own saliva to keep them moist.
- Alleviate discomfort.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek for about 10 to 15 minutes to ease swelling and pain.
- Avoid eating or chewing on the affected side.
- Schedule a prompt dental visit.
- Visit a restorative dentist or prosthodontist immediately. Early assessment ensures the best outcome.
What Are the Treatment Options for Cracked or Chipped Teeth in Sydney?
The question “Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?” has already been answered, but the actual dental treatment depends on the severity of the damage.
Once our restorative dentist or prosthodontist evaluates your situation, we will suggest you treatment that may include, but is not limited to:
- Smoothing & Polish – Suitable for small, surface-level chips where smoothening the structure of rough edges is done.
- Composite Bonding – When facing minor chips or cracks, tooth-coloured resin repairs and restores the structural integrity.
- Dental Veneers – It goes exceptionally well for cosmetic and functional issues, where custom-made porcelain shells are bonded to the front.
- Dental Crowns – When deep cracks have developed, a protective cap restores the strength and shape of the impacted tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy – If cracks have reached deep, towards the pulp, root canal therapy removes infected tissue and seals the tooth safely.
- Extraction & Implant – If your mouth suffers from severe fractures, this procedure helps to remove non-restorable teeth and replaces them with artificial roots.
Many patients from Penrith and greater Western Sydney visit our dentist in St Clair. They often seek same-day solutions from our restorative dentist or prosthodontist.
Don’t Ignore the Signs, You Deserve Immediate Care
So, what to do when you chip a tooth? And, can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
Chipped or cracked, your tooth is trying to tell you something. Don’t wait for the pain to tell you it’s time; a cracked or chipped tooth will not heal on its own. It needs prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment from an expert dentist in Sydney.
Early intervention by Your Healthy Smile Dentists can save you time, money, and discomfort. Book your appointment or visit us at 154 Bennett Rd for same-day emergency care. Your healthy smile starts here.
FAQs
Q. Are sports mouthguards in Sydney effective at preventing chipped teeth?
Absolutely. Custom-fit mouthguards from us reduce trauma risk in contact sports by over 60%, especially for teens and athletes.
Q. Which dental specialist can help me with a chipped tooth or cracked tooth?
A restorative dentist or prosthodontist specialises in these restorative dentistry procedures.
Q. How do I know if it’s a cracked tooth?
A chip is superficial and often painless whereas a crack may cause sensitivity, sharp pain, or persistent discomfort.
Q. What treatments are available for a cracked or chipped tooth?
Options include bonding, crowns, veneers, or root canal. It all depends on the severity of the case. It’s best answered after a thorough evaluation from an experienced dentist like Dr. Lekha Menon and her team.
Q. Can a cracked tooth lead to more serious dental issues?
Yes. Left untreated, cracks may worsen, allowing bacteria to reach the pulp, causing infection, abscess, or tooth loss.
Q. How quickly should I see a dentist after cracking a tooth?
Ideally within 24 hours. Early intervention prevents deeper cracks or infection. Your Healthy Smile Dentists keep certain slots for such emergencies.
Reviewed By Dr. Lekha Menon