At Dr. Neal C. Johnson, DMD, we understand that a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can be more than just a cosmetic issue—it can affect your confidence, comfort, and overall oral health. Whether caused by an accident, injury, or simply wear and tear, we offer expert care to restore your smile and bring your teeth back to their best functional and aesthetic form.
Common Causes of Broken, Cracked, and Chipped Teeth
Teeth are incredibly strong, but they aren’t invincible. Various factors can cause damage, including:
Trauma & Accidents: A blow to the mouth or a fall can result in a fractured or chipped tooth. Sports injuries are a common culprit, especially for those who don’t wear protective gear.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting into something too hard, like a piece of candy or ice, can crack or chip a tooth. Even chewing on something as seemingly harmless as a pencil or pen can cause damage.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can wear down your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to fractures.
Decay: Cavities weaken the structure of your teeth, making them more prone to cracking or breaking.
Age & Wear: Over time, teeth can weaken, particularly if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene. Old fillings and restorations can also contribute to weakened teeth.
Solutions for Broken, Cracked, and Chipped Teeth Treatment
Don’t let a damaged tooth affect your health and smile. With modern dentistry, there are many options to repair broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. At Dr. Neal C. Johnson’s practice, we offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Dental Crowns: If your tooth has been significantly damaged, a dental crown may be the solution. A dental crown, or “tooth cap,” covers the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are durable and can provide long-lasting protection for damaged teeth.
Dental Bonding: For minor chips and cracks, dental bonding is an excellent and affordable solution. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the damaged area, reshaping the tooth to its original form. The procedure is quick and can be completed in just one visit.
Dental Veneers: If the cosmetic appearance of your chipped or cracked tooth is a concern, tooth veneers may be the perfect choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed over the front of the teeth to hide imperfections. They’re especially effective for front teeth and offer a natural, radiant smile.
Tooth Extraction & Replacement: In cases of severe damage, where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. However, we never leave you without options. After extracting a damaged tooth, we offer several tooth replacement solutions:
Dental Bridges: A dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth. It anchors to the surrounding teeth, providing a stable and natural-looking solution.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are the most permanent and natural-looking option for replacing a missing tooth. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, and once healed, a crown is placed on top, fully restoring the tooth’s appearance and function.
When Should You Seek Treatment for a Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth?
Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. While a small chip may not seem urgent, left untreated, it can lead to further damage or even infection. A cracked or broken tooth can expose the soft inner tissue, increasing the risk of tooth decay, infection, and even tooth loss.
Preventing Tooth Damage
While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damaging your teeth:
Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.
Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when biting into hard foods or objects that could cause cracks or chips.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups will help keep your teeth strong and less prone to damage.
Address Teeth Grinding: If you suffer from bruxism, we can help you manage this condition with a nightguard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what point is a tooth not fixable?
If the damage to a tooth extends into the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), it may be beyond repair. In these cases, a root canal or extraction may be necessary.
Can chipped teeth be fixed permanently?
Yes, chipped teeth can often be fixed permanently, depending on the severity of the damage. Bonding, crowns, and veneers provide long-term solutions.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding typically lasts 3-10 years with proper care. However, it may need touch-ups or repairs over time, especially if the bonding is exposed to heavy wear or staining.
Does insurance cover fixing a chipped tooth?
Dental insurance often covers the cost of repairing a chipped tooth, particularly if the damage is severe. We can help you navigate your insurance coverage to ensure you receive the benefits available to you.
Is it okay to live with a cracked tooth?
It’s not advisable to ignore a cracked tooth. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a crack can worsen over time, leading to infections, further damage, or tooth loss. Early treatment helps avoid more serious problems.
How long can I leave a cracked tooth?
You should see a dentist as soon as possible after noticing a cracked tooth. While it may not cause immediate pain, leaving it untreated can lead to further complications.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re dealing with a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, Dr. Neal C. Johnson, DMD, and his team in Billings, MT, are here to help restore your smile and comfort. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about how we can fix your damaged tooth with expert care and personalized solutions.
We welcome patients from Billings, Laurel, and the surrounding areas, and we’re dedicated to providing top-quality, compassionate dental care.
