Fixing Broken Teeth
Accidentally breaking a tooth feels like the worst kind of bad luck. Whether your broken tooth is the result of a fall, eating candy or chewing ice, or playing your favorite sport, the accident always seems to happen at the worst time. Finding a dentist who can repair your broken tooth seems like the biggest inconvenience. The good news is, thanks to advances in modern dentistry, there are many efficient and effective ways to repair a broken tooth. Below is more information on the different dental treatments to repair broken teeth:
Treatment Options to Fix Broken Teeth
The first step in fixing a broken tooth is deciding if you need an emergency dentist or not. Calling your dentist will help you get the guidance you need to make the best choice for you. Once you get in to see your dentist, they will likely choose the treatment approach that is best depending on the extent of the damage to your teeth. Your dentist will likely choose from one of the following popular treatments:
- Crowns: Crowns are artificial covers designed to place on top of a damaged or unattractive tooth. This easy design makes them a convenient solution for broken teeth. Crowns work by restoring the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance. Made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or ceramic, crowns are a popular fix for broken or decayed teeth because they are safe and efficient.
- Veneers: A bigger investment in fixing broken teeth, custom-made veneers are colored shells that are placed on top of the teeth. Veneers are usually made from porcelain or composite resin material and are the most popular cosmetic, restorative solution for improving the appearance of the smile. Using veneers to fix broken teeth is a solution that improves the overall appearance of the smile.
- Dental Implants: When a tooth is broken down near or below the gumline, a crown or veneer will not work to fix it. A dental implant is a treatment to replace an entire tooth, including the tooth root. Getting an implant is a more extensive process which involves removing the broken tooth, installing the implant post, and then attaching the artificial crown. Implants are a safe, secure, and permanent fix, but are an investment of time and money.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a quicker treatment option commonly used to fix smaller chips and cracks in the teeth. A dental composite putty is applied to the teeth and then shaped to look like a natural tooth. Once the shape and appearance are final, a blue light is used to harden the composite molding.
Because there are many treatment options available to fix a broken tooth, it can be hard to determine ahead of time which option your dentist will decide is best for you. The treatment options can range from quick fixes, to more extensive permanent solutions. The best place to start if you have an oral accident is to contact your dentist immediately and determine if you need emergency services. The sooner you contact your dentist the more quickly and safely you can get your tooth repaired.