Your teeth are built to handle everyday wear and tear, like biting and chewing. But accidents can happen, and too much pressure on a tooth can cause it to chip, crack, or break. When this happens, the damaged tooth becomes vulnerable to further harm, including decay and infections.
If you break a tooth, it’s important to see your dentist right away for emergency care. Acting quickly can protect your tooth and prevent bigger problems. The treatment your dentist chooses will depend on how serious the damage is and where the tooth is. Here are three ways a dentist might repair a broken tooth.
Fixing Minor Breaks with Cosmetic Dentistry
Even a small chip or crack can make your smile look uneven, which might bother you. For minor damage like this, cosmetic dental treatments can often fix the problem while keeping your smile natural-looking.
One option your dentist may suggest is porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your tooth. They can hide chips or cracks while also reshaping the tooth. Dentists bond these shells to the surface of your teeth using a strong adhesive.
Veneers not only improve how your teeth look but also help protect damaged areas. However, veneers are best for smaller cracks or chips. If the damage is more serious, you might need a stronger solution like a crown.
Repairing More Severe Damage with a Dental Crown
If a tooth has a crack, chip, or break above the gumline, a dental crown might be the best solution. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire surface of your tooth. It protects the damaged tooth while restoring its shape, strength, and function.
Our crowns are made from strong materials like ceramic, and they match the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist will attach the crown using dental cement to ensure it stays securely in place.
Crowns are a durable solution and can last for 15 years or more with good care. To keep your crown in good shape, follow your dentist’s instructions, such as avoiding hard foods and practicing good oral hygiene.
Dealing with Extensive Damage Below the Gumline
If a tooth is broken below the gumline, fixing it becomes more complicated. Simple treatments can’t reach damage this deep, but it still poses a risk to your overall oral health.
In these cases, your dentist may need to remove the tooth. Tooth extractions are often the last resort but are necessary to protect the rest of your mouth from infection or further damage.
Sometimes, the dentist can save part of the tooth if only a portion has severe damage. However, when removal is required, you will need some time to heal before moving forward with the next steps.
Missing teeth can lead to other problems, so it’s important to replace the extracted tooth. Your dentist will talk to you about options like dental implants, which provide a long-term solution for missing teeth. Implants not only fill the gap but also restore your smile’s full function and appearance.
What to Do After a Broken Tooth
If you break a tooth, don’t wait to get help. Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency visit. They can examine the tooth, assess the damage, and recommend the right treatment to fix it.
Broken teeth can happen unexpectedly, but with quick action and the right care, your dentist can help you restore both your oral health and your smile.
If you’re dealing with a broken tooth in Columbia, MD, the team at Columbia Family Dentist is here to help. Dr. Goyal and his staff provide expert care to repair and protect damaged teeth. Contact their office today to schedule your emergency appointment and get your smile back on track.