A broken tooth is nothing to ignore, both for your smile and your health. This is not an uncommon condition among adults and children. If you have broken a tooth by biting into something or because of an accident or injury, your dentist can help. Talk to a dental professional today about the right approach to restoring your tooth. Different options are available depending on your situation and preferences.
Fracturing a tooth can happen to anyone at any age. Whether by falling hard to the ground, being involved in a car accident, or suffering a mishap while playing sports, broken teeth can hurt and ruin a smile. It can be embarrassing to have part of a tooth missing, especially if it is a front tooth that people can readily see. Also, having a fractured tooth increases a person’s risk of decay or infection. This can lead to losing the tooth altogether.
If a patient has a badly broken tooth, repairing it may not be enough. There could be extensive trauma and decay deep within the pulp and roots. If the dentist cannot save the tooth, pulling it may be necessary. In this case, the dentist may recommend getting a dental implant to fill in the gap it leaves behind. This is a lengthy process, but the titanium implant is durable and restores full function to the person’s mouth.
On the other end of the spectrum, the patient may need little work to restore a broken tooth. For minor chips or fractures, the dentist can fill the tooth with composite resin. This is similar to what would happen to repair a cavity. The dentist can make the bonding material the same color as the tooth, so it will look natural. This restorative treatment should last several years if the patient is cautious about eating hard foods.
A dental crown is often the first choice a dentist suggests when it comes to repairing a broken tooth. A crown caps the damaged tooth, providing stability and protection. The crown will be the same size, shape, and color as the natural tooth. It also allows the patient to eat normally and regain a full smile. The process of getting a crown usually requires two or three visits to the office.
For fractured front teeth, a porcelain veneer could be the right choice. A veneer is a thin sheet that attaches to the front of the damaged tooth. The dentist will first remove some enamel and then use dental cement and a curing agent to bond the veneer to the tooth. Veneers can last more than 10 years if the patient takes care of them.
It can be stressful to have a broken tooth, especially if it is a permanent one. If you break one, make sure you talk to your dentist right away. One of these four choices could be the one to restore your smile and relieve your pain. Make an appointment to discuss the next steps you should take.
Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalchicago.com or call Allure Dental at (312) 248-7517 for an appointment in our Chicago office.
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