Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth from Your General Dentist

general dentist Chicago, IL

A general dentist can provide the treatment you need if you are dealing with a broken tooth. Teeth are the strongest part of the body, but they can be damaged by acids created by oral bacteria, the pressure created by bite forces or trauma to the face.

A broken tooth can be classified as a dental emergency if it is accompanied by bleeding coming from inside the tooth or excruciating pain. This is often a sign the tooth's pulp chamber has been affected by the damage.

How a general dentist might treat a broken tooth

There are a few things a general dentist can do to stop any pain and discomfort associated with a broken tooth and to restore the tooth's appearance and function. Some of the more common ways dentists deal with broken teeth include:

1. Composite resin

Composite resins are one of the more economical ways to restore a broken tooth. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and it is hardened with a curing light. Composites can be color-matched with the rest of a patient's teeth, so the restored tooth looks just like the rest of the patient's teeth. Composites are typically used to treat minor breaks or chips.

2. Crowns

A dental crown might be recommended if a patient has a severely broken tooth. Crowns cover the visible part of the damaged tooth so bacteria and acids in the mouth cannot cause further damage. Crowns also protect teeth from bite forces and they improve the appearance of teeth.

The installation of a crown requires the general dentist to remove portions of enamel. This creates a better fit for the crown. This is an irreversible procedure, so the tooth will always need to be covered up with a dental crown moving forward.

3. Root canals

Root canals are often performed when a broken tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. Such injuries often come with pain and bleeding. The procedure involves the dentist drilling a hole into the tooth and using a series of files to remove the soft tissues in the pulp chamber.

The dentist then disinfects the pulp chamber before closing it up with fillings. The tooth is typically covered with a crown to complete the treatment. Root canals make it possible for dentists to save severely damaged teeth. There is no recovery period after the treatment.

4. Extraction

If the damage to a tooth is severe enough, the dentist might be forced to extract it. This is typically done as a last resort when it is clear the tooth will fall out anyway since most of its structures have already been damaged.

A dentist might also decide to extract a tooth if it is one of the wisdom teeth. These are not necessary, so extractions are often recommended if wisdom teeth become broken.

Fix your broken tooth

Call or visit our Chicago clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your broken tooth.

Let's get started…

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalchicago.com or call Allure Dental at (312) 598-1770 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Restore Your Smile With Dental Bonding

Smile imperfections can dampen the way you see yourself. Fortunately, there are various to improve or correct them. One of the most common is dental bonding. This smile restorative can enhance smiles and their function in as little as one appointment.Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to form the shape…

Follow-Up Care Tips After Seeing An Emergency Dentist

If you have severe dental pain, an infection, or an injury, seeing an emergency dentist can give you immediate relief. However, following the recommended care instructions after professional treatment is important to ensure proper healing and avoid potential complications. Following these post-treatment guidelines can lead to a smoother recovery and better overall oral health.Following a…

Your Dentist Can Assess Your Denture Adjustments Needs

Denture adjustments can restore the fit of your dentures when they start to slip. The maintenance phase of dentures ensures that the prosthetic teeth continue to mimic the function of natural teeth. This means regular assessments where your dentist checks on the shape and integrity of your dentures.These routine dental visits are also ideal for…

How Laser Dentistry Improves Comfort And Healing Time

Laser dentistry has revolutionized modern dental care, offering patients a more comfortable and efficient experience than traditional methods. Laser dentistry uses focused light energy, allowing dentists to perform various procedures with increased precision, reduced discomfort, and faster healing times. As this technology advances, it becomes an increasingly popular choice for routine treatments and more complex…