Treatment Options for a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is one of the most challenging oral health issues you would have to deal with. Not only can this be a painful condition, but it can be unsightly and unattractive. If you break a tooth, you may want to hide your smile, and it may even be difficult to eat. Luckily, you do not have to endure this situation for long. An experienced dentist can administer any of several treatments to help remedy this problem.

How this can happen

Teeth are the hardest substance in the human body — even harder than bones. People rely on strong teeth for chewing and biting, but when one breaks, it can hinder these activities. Teeth break from sudden, forceful blows to the mouth by other objects in accidents and other mishaps. Rough falls can also cause teeth to break. Some people even experience this when eating foods such as hard candy or something with a shell.

Filling

When people hear this word, they likely think of taking care of cavities. While this is indeed a way to fix tooth decay, dentists can also use fillings to fix a broken tooth. The process will work similarly to filling a cavity. However, this method is only used for small breaks, so if there is a larger issue, another treatment will be more effective.

Bonding

Front teeth are often the most commonplace for breaking issues. Someone with a broken front tooth will probably want to do something about the damage quickly because it will affect the person’s smile. The dentist can apply composite resin bonding to the tooth, which will build up the area. In some cases, it might not even be necessary to numb the patient’s mouth to do this treatment. The dentist will closely match the color of bonding with the color of the tooth and surrounding teeth.

Crown on a broken tooth

This procedure is for more severe chips and those that could alter one’s bite. Also known as caps, this treatment involves the dentist shaving down the affected tooth and then placing the crown over the top. It should be durable enough to handle biting and chewing. It will also look like a natural tooth. The dentist will customize the crown, so it fits the patient’s entire tooth.

Veneer

Though this is a more expensive option, it can also help the tooth look like new. Veneers are made of porcelain and cover the entire front of the affected tooth. A veneer is often used on front teeth. The dentist cements it in place and uses a specialized light to help chemicals harden it.

Plenty of choices

Your teeth issues do not have to stick around for long. You can experience relief and help from these treatments. Talk to your dentist today about your oral health needs and goals. This professional will discuss what makes the most sense according to the tooth’s condition. It is time to make an appointment, so call your dentist today and start smiling again.

Request an appointment here: https://thelaureldentist.com or call Montpelier Family Dentistry at (301) 605-1132 for an appointment in our Laurel office.