You are enjoying a snack when you bite into something that is harder than normal, perhaps a popcorn kernel. Or you took an elbow in basketball. Now your tooth hurts, and you’re wondering: See a dentist now or wait till next week? Here’s what you should know.
Difference Between a Chipped and Cracked Tooth?
A chipped tooth is when a small fragment breaks off, usually from the edge or corner of your tooth. This might happen when you bite down on a popcorn kernel or that unexpected olive pit. Your tongue will probably find the chip right away – that rough spot feels impossible to ignore! Chips often look worse than they feel, and many aren’t painful at all.
A cracked tooth resembles a thin hairline fracture which extends across the tooth structure. The tooth fracture remains invisible to the naked eye but becomes noticeable during biting or drinking hot beverages. The cracks exist at different depths ranging from surface-level to complete penetration through the root. The actual pain starts when tooth cracks penetrate into the areas containing nerves inside your tooth.
Still not sure what you’re dealing with? You’re not alone – that’s completely normal. Our dental team sees these injuries every week and can quickly spot the difference between a minor chip and something that needs immediate attention.
When to Pick Up the Phone: Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care
Most of us try to tough things out, but some dental situations really shouldn’t wait. Consider calling for emergency dental services if:
- You’re in significant pain that’s interfering with your day
- You notice a crack that runs down your tooth
- The area around your tooth is swollen or tender
- Your tooth suddenly feels sensitive when you drink something hot or cold
- Your tooth feels loose or shifts when you touch it
- You’ve lost a large chunk that affects how you eat or speak
Why That Crack Won’t Fix Itself
Sometimes we’re tempted to put off dental treatment. But here’s the reality with cracked teeth: they rarely get better on their own. In fact, they usually get worse.
Every time you chew, that crack can deepen just a tiny bit. Think of it like a crack in your windshield – what starts as a small line can eventually spider across the glass. With teeth, those spreading cracks can eventually reach the soft pulp at the center, where all your nerves and blood vessels live. Once that happens, you’re looking at more complex treatment.
How Serious Is Your Dental Injury? A Quick Guide
Dental emergencies aren’t all created equal. Here’s how to gauge yours:
Drop Everything and Call Now:
- Your tooth got knocked completely out
- You can see the inner part of your tooth exposed
- Your tooth got pushed out of position
- You have facial swelling along with tooth pain
Get Seen Within 24-48 Hours:
- You have a crack that causes pain when you bite
- Your filling or crown fell out and the tooth is sensitive
- You lost a significant piece of tooth
Schedule at the Next Available Appointment:
- You have a small chip that’s not causing discomfort
- You noticed a tiny crack in just the outer enamel
- An old chip has developed a slightly rough edge
Not sure where your situation falls? Give our Calgary office a quick call – we’d rather help you decide than have you worry unnecessarily.
What Can I Do Before I Get to the Dentist?
Let’s say you chip a tooth on Friday night. Here’s how to manage until you can get in:
- For a chipped tooth: Rinse with warm water (not hot) If there’s any bleeding, gently press a piece of gauze or a tea bag against it for about 10 minutes. Use an ice pack if there is any swelling in the cheek or jaw area. (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off can reduce any swelling).
- For a cracked tooth: Try to avoid chewing on that side completely. Warm salt water rinses can help keep the area clean – just don’t swish too aggressively. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you’re uncomfortable, but skip the old wives’ tale about putting aspirin directly on the tooth (it actually burns your gum tissue!).
- For either injury: Most pharmacies carry dental wax – it’s a lifesaver for covering sharp edges until you get treatment. Just warm a small piece between your fingers and press it over the rough spot.
These are just temporary measures to get you through until your appointment. They’re not substitutes for proper dental care.
Questions We Hear Every Week About Dental Injuries
Will my chipped tooth eventually smooth out on its own?
Unfortunately, the enamel doesn’t regenerate or repair itself. Even tiny chips leave the deeper layers of your tooth more vulnerable to decay. The good news is that small chips often have simple, quick fixes.
My cracked tooth only hurts sometimes – can I just deal with it?
Those on-again, off-again symptoms are actually classic for a cracked tooth. Many cracks only hurt when you bite down in certain ways or when the tooth expands and contracts with temperature changes. Unfortunately, intermittent pain usually means the crack is already affecting the nerve. Getting it checked sooner rather than later is usually the better call.
How can I prevent these problems in the future?
Wearing a mouthguard during sports is recommended but don’t forget about teeth grinding at night (a custom nightguard helps), avoiding chewing ice or hard candy, and breaking the habit of using your teeth as tools to open packages.
Will my insurance cover emergency treatment?
Most plans offer some coverage for emergency care, though it varies by provider. Our front desk team is pretty good at helping patients navigate insurance questions and finding ways to make unexpected treatment affordable.
We Understand Emergencies Happen at Inconvenient Times
Dental emergencies have a knack for terrible timing – they rarely happen during business hours on weekdays! But quick action can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. We make sure to keep space in our schedule for urgent care situations.
If you’re dealing with a chipped or cracked tooth in Calgary and wondering what to do next, give us a call. Our experienced team at Savanna Market Dental is ready to help, whether it’s an emergency or you just have questions. Give us a call today.
