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I need help with a broken or chipped tooth

Broken or chipped tooth - Auckland, St Heliers. Learn what to do if you damage one or more of your teeth.

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A broken tooth can be unsightly, annoying, and painful, but we can make it as good as new.

How do I know if I have a problem with a broken or chipped tooth?

You’ll probably know right away if you break or chip a tooth. You might feel pain when it happens or discover the broken part of the tooth in your mouth. Even if you are unaware of breaking or chipping your tooth immediately, you may be able to feel a rough spot with your tongue, have pain when you chew, develop sensitivity to cold, hot, acidic, or sugary foods, or have swollen gums. You might even be able to see it in the mirror.

Why do I have a broken or chipped tooth?

It is quite common to break or chip a tooth. It can happen when you bite down on something hard or fall over and knock your teeth on a solid object. It’s a common injury when playing sport. Sometimes a large filling or failed crown will weaken a tooth to the point where it cracks under normal chewing pressure. As you age, wear and tear will make your teeth more susceptible to damage, as will grinding your teeth in your sleep.

What treatments are available to fix my broken or chipped tooth?

Not only do broken teeth look unsightly, but they can also lead to tooth decay. Prompt treatment will help you avoid additional problems.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about broken or chipped teeth

  • A small chip doesn’t require any immediate action, but a broken tooth may need some first aid. When the injury occurs, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth gently with warm water. Adding a little salt will help to sterilise the break. If the tooth is bleeding, you can apply gauze or a soft cotton cloth. An ice pack will help with any facial swelling.

  • If your tooth is bleeding or you are in a lot of pain, seek emergency dental treatment. Otherwise, a large break should be seen within 24 hours, if possible. Chips don’t need urgent attention, but it’s still a good idea to get them seen to as soon as possible so that you don’t develop tooth decay or have more of the tooth chip off.

  • The extent of the damage will determine what kind of treatment your tooth will need. Sometimes small chips can be gently buffed smooth, while larger chips or breaks might need a filling, a veneer, or a crown. We will help you choose the best option to restore your tooth to full health.

  • Using our state-of-the-art CEREC technology, we can usually repair your broken tooth in one 90-minute session. We’ll take a 3D scan of the damaged tooth and make you a precise, perfect-fit crown while you wait. If necessary, we’ll also glaze the crown to match your other teeth before cementing it securely in place.

  • The cost of repairing your broken or chipped tooth removal will vary depending on the extent of the damage. We’ll discuss your treatment options with you, let you know exactly how much the procedure will cost, and explore which payment options suit you best.

  • It’s impossible to eliminate the risk of breaking or chipping a tooth. Accidents happen, and sometimes breaks will occur from something as innocuous as eating your lunch. But you can minimise your risk by wearing a mouthguard to play sport, avoiding extra hard foods, and practising good dental hygiene to keep your teeth strong and healthy.