Fix Broken Teeth

In addition to being painful and possibly impacting functionality, a broken tooth can negatively impact a person’s self-confidence and prevent them from smiling.  Some of the more common causes of broken teeth are trauma to the mouth, eating hard food or candies, chewing on ice, falling accidents, and cavities.

Luckily, the advanced technology used in modern dentistry can correct most of the dental problems that patients experience.  Should a patient have a broken tooth, they should consult a dentist who will evaluate the patient’s situation and recommend treatment options.  There are many treatment options that can be used to correct a broken tooth so in this article, we will briefly examine several.

Options for Fixing a Broken Tooth

• Crowns: A convenient option for a broken tooth, a crown can be used to cover the entire affected area.  Often made of ceramic, metal, or porcelain, crowns are thicker than veneers and restore the functionality, appearance, and shape of the tooth.  Dentists consider crowns to be the safest treatment option that can be used to restore a decayed or broken tooth.
• Veneers: Patients most concerned with cosmetic appearances may find veneers an attractive option for correcting a broken tooth.  Custom made of composite resin or porcelain that matches the tooth color, veneers are the most popular solution for restoring the smile.
• Dental Implant: A more extensive, surgical procedure that involves placing metal posts into the gumline that a prosthesis (fake tooth) can be screwed onto.  Because the metal posts fuse with the jawbone to function like tooth roots, dental implants are sturdy and able to withstand the pressure from chewing.  Implants are a more expensive treatment when compared to some of the other options for restoring a broken tooth.
• Bonding: Considered by many dentists to be the least involved procedure for correcting a broken tooth.  The dentist uses a composite resin to restore the shape of the tooth and hardens the materials with a light.  The area is then further shaped and polished until the desired result is achieved.  Because it is such a simple, quick process, dental bonding is often inexpensive compared to other treatment options.
• Root Canal: When a tooth cracks or breaks, infectious pulp can accumulate in the void.  Dentists may suggest root canal to treat this type of situation.  The infection is first removed, and a crown is then placed to prevent the spread of the infection.
• Filling: Among the safest procedure dentists perform to restore broken teeth, fillings use restorative materials to correct cracks or breaks.  Ideal if the tooth has a cavity, fillings are painless and generally budget friendly.
• Dental Sealants: Ideal for fixing holes in a tooth that could lead to infection or damage, dental sealants create a barrier against cavity causing bacteria.  Sealants are most commonly placed on the back of the molars and premolars.

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth can be a dental emergency so contacting a dentist as soon as possible is vital.  The dentist will evaluate the situation and provide treatment accordingly.

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