Dental Emergencies – Broken or Chipped Tooth

If you have chipped or cracked a tooth, it may or may not be a dental emergency. Some damage to your tooth needs to be looked at as soon as possible, but other times you can postpone treatment for a chipped tooth until it’s convenient.

We normally recommend coming in to see one of our dentists just to be on the safe side. Better safe than sorry. But how do you know if you have a serious issue? Here are some factors to consider.

Was It a Serious Accident?

The severity of your chipped tooth is likely related to the severity of the accident and how it occurred. If you were just biting down on hard foods and had your tooth crack, it’s less likely to be a serious problem than if, for example, your tooth was damaged in a rough football game.

Does the Tooth Hurt?

Pain isn’t the only indicator that your tooth needs attention. You may experience different kinds of pain like sensitivity or ongoing pain. A sensitive tooth only hurts when in contact with heat, cold, or pressure. Sensitivity when you drink a cup of hot tea, eat something cold like ice cream, or during biting or chewing means that you need to have your tooth looked at.

If your tooth has persistent, ongoing pain, try taking a painkiller like Panadol and see if it helps. If the pain doesn’t subside, or if it persists for more than a few days, make an appointment to see our emergency dentist.

Is the Tooth Changing Colour?

One indication that the tooth has been damaged is if it changes colour. This might mean that the tooth is bruised or there’s an infection. If the tooth becomes discoloured, you should make an appointment with our emergency dentist. We’ll be able to figure out if the discolouration indicates bruising or infection and recommend the best treatment approach. Time is of the essence here.

Cracks in a Tooth

Even if a crack can’t be seen when you look in the mirror, don’t assume one doesn’t exist. It may be located in a part of the tooth you can’t see, a crack in the tooth root, or underneath the gums.

Does the Appearance of a Chipped Tooth Bother You?

If you are unhappy with the way the tooth looks or if you have a sharp edge on the tooth that bothers your tongue or cheek, then it’s a good idea to come in and get it sorted right away. We can often repair the tooth in a single visit, so you never have to show a damaged smile.

Don’t leave dental issues to chance. They may not get better over time, so it’s always a good idea to call our friendly staff and come in to see what’s going on and get it sorted. We have locations around Auckland with convenient practice hours – we can get your dental issues sorted quickly so you can get back on with your life.