Cracked or Broken Teeth in Edmonton

If you have cracked or broken a tooth, our Edmonton dentists can repair it to resolve pain and prevent the problem from worsening.

Why do I need to repair a cracked or broken tooth right away?

Cracked or broken teeth need to be repaired by a dental professional in order to heal. Not getting these problems treated expeditiously will only cause them to get worse.

How will the dentist treat my damaged tooth?

Most of the time, broken teeth can be repaired either by reattaching the broken piece of tooth or by bonding a tooth-coloured filling or crown in place.

How can I manage the pain until I can get to the dentist?

Here are some steps to follow to manage pain until you can see a dentist:

• Rinse your mouth out with warm water.
• If you are bleeding, apply pressure with a gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. 
• Apply a cold pack to the lips or cheek to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can cracked or broken teeth heal without dental work?

  No, cracked or broken teeth need to be repaired by a dental professional in order to heal. Not getting these problems treated expeditiously will only cause them to get worse.

• What causes a tooth to crack or break?

  Teeth are remarkably strong, but they are not immune to damage. There are many ways you might crack or break a tooth, including:

  Impact or Injury
  Whether due to a fall, a blow to the mouth, or another type of accident, an impact to your face or jaw may result in a cracked or broken tooth.

  Biting Down on Something Hard

  Biting down on hard food (like nuts) at just the wrong angle, or even chewing on a pen or your nails, can cause damage, chips, and cracks to the teeth.

  Having a Weakness in the Structure of the Tooth
  Teeth can become structurally weak as a result of tooth decay, a filling, other previous dental work, and a variety of other reasons. A tooth that is already weak is more prone to cracks and breaks.

• How long will my tooth take to heal after treatment?

  This depends on the reason for the break or crack, and the extent of the damage. Usually, however, patients recover from dental work within a few days to two weeks after the procedure.

• Will there be any followup appointments?

  Depending on how bad the break was, the dentist may request that you attend a followup appointment after the initial dental work is completed, to ensure that there are no problems. Otherwise, your dentist will evaluate the repairs during your usual yearly dental checkups.