It is possible for a tooth to repair itself if the damage is minimal. For example, if a tooth with a crack on the outer level and a minimal fracture line that does not cause pain may repair itself over time. The healing process is known as remineralization and refers to the minerals in our mouths.

Chipped teeth account for the majority of dental injuries. Most chipped teeth can be repaired either by reattaching the broken piece of tooth enamel or by bonding a tooth-colored filling or crown in place. See your dentist as soon as possible after the injury to treat your chipped tooth and keep it from worsening.

If you think you’ve cracked a tooth, rinse with warm water to clean your mouth and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to prevent swelling. Anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), can reduce swelling and pain. And make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

When teeth are healthy, the root canal is not exposed to oral bacteria. However, if a tooth is badly decayed or deeply cracked, root canals can be infected with bacteria. An infected root canal can lead to the need for tooth extraction if it is not treated early on.

For many people, pain drives them to the dental chair with a tooth injury. However, a cracked or chipped tooth doesn’t always hurt. If the break in your tooth doesn’t reach the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth which contains the tooth’s nerve endings—it likely won’t hurt.

Even if your broken tooth doesn’t hurt, you shouldn’t leave it untreated. There could be many more severe underlying issues that you are at increased risk of. One of the most alarming possible side effects of a broken tooth is that food detritus can get trapped inside, leading to bad infections.

Dental Filling or Bonding If you have chipped off just a small piece of tooth enamel, your dentist may repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is to a front tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will likely use a procedure called bonding, which uses a tooth-colored composite resin.

How to Keep Your Teeth Whiter and Stronger

1. 1 Eat calcium-rich foods.
2. 2 Drink water instead of soda or juice.
3. 3 Brush with an enamel-strengthening toothpaste.
4. 4 Avoid foods and drinks that stain enamel.
5. 5 Don’t forget about the rest of your mouth.

This calcified substance can contribute to tooth decay, and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss. At your dental checkup, your Monarch dentist will use special tools to gently scrape off this hard substance, leaving your enamel free from potential tooth decay.