Fix Broken Teeth
A broken tooth can happen in a flash, resulting from an accident, cavity, or even eating hard foods and can be very painful. There are a few options available to repair a broken tooth but it is important that you visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dental offices reserve time in their schedule every day for emergencies such as this and even if your tooth is not hurting, more damage can be done without immediate attention.
If you experience a broken tooth after business hours or over the weekend, call your dental office anyway to get the emergency contact number.
How is a broken tooth repaired?
Fixing a broken tooth can be as simple as a sealant or as involved as a dental implant. Below we will review some options that you are dentist may present as possible treatment.
- Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are typically used for pediatric patients to protect against decay but in adults, a sealant can be used to repair a broken molar and protect them from further damage. Dental sealants are applied in liquid form to the biting surface of molars and premolars and cured with an ultraviolet light to form a hard, protective plastic coating.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a great option to repair a broken tooth because it is a quick process and is relatively cost-effective. Bonding is really only appropriate for small chips and breaks in the teeth since it is not as strong as porcelain though it is strong enough to be effective for some patients. Bonding is tooth colored but it is more susceptible to chipping and staining so some teeth will be better served with a porcelain option.
- Composite Fillings: A composite filling is most often used to fill a cavity but there’s a great way to repair a broken tooth. The composite material is also tooth colored so will blend in with your smile just fine!
- Dental Crowns and Veneers: Porcelain crowns and veneers are usually the best way to restore broken teeth. A crown usually covers the entire structure of the tooth and a veneer only covers the front part, preserving more tooth structure. Veneers are most commonly used on anterior teeth and crowns are placed on the posterior teeth, though depending on the extent of damage, anterior teeth can also receive a fall crown. Since crowns and veneers are made out of porcelain, they are incredibly durable and will last longer than bonding. Porcelain will also retain its original shade and will not stain or dull overtime.
- Dental Implants: If you have a more severely fractured tooth, you may actually have to have the tooth extracted. A dental implant can be used to replace the tooth and is a beautiful and healthy way to restore your smile. A fracture that goes all the way to the gum line may be impossible to restore using a crown. In this case, you would need to have the root extracted and an implant placed.