If you have a chipped tooth, you might not feel any tooth pain unless the chip is large enough to expose the nerves in the inner layer of the tooth. If a chipped tooth exposes the nerves inside a tooth, you might notice increased tooth sensitivity and pain when chewing or when the chipped tooth is exposed to very hot or very cold food and beverages. You might need a crown or a dental onlay to restore the shape of the tooth and prevent further damage or decay.
A cracked tooth might affect only the tooth enamel, or it might affect the entire tooth down to the root. You might only notice pain from a cracked tooth when chewing, or when the temperature in your mouth changes as you eat something hot or cold. In some cases, a cracked tooth can also lead to cavities, as bacteria can enter the crack and start to decay the inner layers of the tooth. It is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible after you notice a cracked tooth, so it can be evaluated and treated if necessary before further complications, such as cavities or infections, develop.
Diagnosing a Chipped or Broken Tooth
At Metro City Dentistry, your dentist can make a diagnosis of a broken tooth via visible inspection of your mouth. They will also take into account your symptoms and ask you about events that may have caused the chipping.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options
The treatment your dentist gives you for a chipped or broken tooth depends on the severity, location and symptoms. Unless a chipped tooth is causing severe pain and significantly interfering with eating and sleeping, it’s not considered a dental emergency but you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to avoid infection or further damage to the tooth.
Chipped Teeth
If it’s a small chip, your dentist may smooth out the sharp edge and polish it. With a moderate chip, your dentist may need to place a filling or a crown over the chipped tooth so you can chew normally and have a natural appearance. If the chip is large enough that the nerve is exposed, you will probably need a root canal and then a crown on top of that.
Cracked teeth
A mildly cracked tooth may not need treatment, but it’s safest to visit a dental professional. They may have to simply polish the tooth to smooth out rough edges. However, with a more serious crack, the crack may have gotten to the root.
And if it has cracked through the enamel and dentin of the tooth, it may become loose, leading to a lost tooth or bleeding gums. Depending on the severity, a cracked tooth may require a root canal or tooth bonding.
Dentist for Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can be more than just a cosmetic concern — it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and further damage if left untreated. At Metro City Dentistry, we offer fast, effective solutions to restore your tooth’s function and appearance, whether through dental crowns, bonding, or root canal treatment when deeper damage is involved. Our experienced team ensures your repair is seamless and long-lasting.
Depending on the severity, we may recommend restorative or cosmetic options such as dental bridges, Invisalign (for alignment issues caused by a damaged bite), or refer you to our surgical dentist for complex cases. If you’re in pain or need urgent care, our emergency dentist services are available to help you right away. Also we have all insurance options, including CDCP.
Contact us today and get your smile back on track — safely, quickly, and comfortably.
