- Broken teeth can be caused by decay, trauma, grinding of teeth, and weakened enamel due to dietary choices/vitamin deficiencies.
- Common treatments for a broken tooth include crowns or bonding with composite material; enameloplasty.
- Regular checkups with a dentist and proper care of teeth can help prevent tooth damage.
- Different approaches may be required depending on the severity of the damage, so consulting with your dentist is essential.
A broken tooth is certainly an unwelcome surprise, but the good news is that it’s a repairable condition. What’s more, there are various ways to fix the problem. Whether you’ve suffered a chipped or cracked tooth or your enamel has been completely worn down, knowing how to approach the situation can make all the difference in restoring your smile. So here’s a brief look at what you need to know about fixing a broken tooth.
Common Causes of a Broken Tooth
A broken tooth is an unfortunate but common occurrence with various possible causes. Generally, teeth only break due to an underlying dental problem that has gone unaddressed, like decay or trauma caused by an accident.
Other contributing factors may include frequent grinding of teeth (bruxism), weak enamel from dietary choices or existing vitamin deficiencies and acidic diets, gum disease, extreme temperature changes, aging, and even an old filling breaking. If you want to find out the root cause of your broken tooth, a visit to an experienced dentist is recommended to address the issue at hand. They can also help you decide on the best course of action for correcting it.
Broken Tooth Treatment Options
As mentioned, various ways to restore and repair a broken tooth exist. Depending on the severity of the damage, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:
Crowns and Bonding
The most common way to treat a broken tooth is crowns or bonding. Crowns are caps made from porcelain or ceramic material that fit over the existing tooth structure, protecting it from further damage and restoring its shape and color.
Meanwhile, bonding uses composite material similar in color and texture to natural teeth that are applied directly to the affected area and hardened with ultraviolet light. Both procedures require multiple visits with your dentist.
Enameloplasty
If only part of your enamel has been worn down due to decay or grinding, then you may get away with having an enameloplasty done instead of getting crowns or bonding. During this procedure, the dentist will use special tools such as abrasive strips and diamond burrs to reshape and smooth out any rough edges on your teeth, so they match up perfectly with the adjacent teeth. This procedure can be done in one sitting and often requires little-to-no anesthesia.
Root Canal Therapy
When decay reaches deep into the root structure of a tooth (or if you suffer nerve damage due to trauma), root canal therapy may be necessary to save your tooth from extraction. In this procedure, your dentist will remove infected tissue before filling the remaining cavity with an inert material like gutta-percha before applying a crown over it for added protection.
Dental Implants
If the damage to your tooth is too severe or cannot be treated with other methods, then a dental implant may be necessary. This procedure involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root into the jawbone and attaching a custom-made crown.
Dental implants are typically made of titanium and can last for many years with proper care. While the procedure is more involved than other treatments and can take several weeks, it offers a permanent solution for those who have lost a tooth due to severe damage or decay.
Preventing Tooth Damage
Preventing tooth damage is an essential part of dental health. Cavities, broken teeth, and discoloration are just a few of the issues that can arise if a person does not take proper care of their teeth. One of the most common causes of a broken tooth is an injury or trauma to the mouth from an accident or hard object.
It is essential to visit a dentist at least once a year to get an extensive checkup. Regular cleaning and exams can help identify minor problems that might lead to more complex situations and put preventive measures in place.
No matter which method you opt for, fixing a broken tooth should never be put off as doing so can cause further damage down the line—not just aesthetically but also functionally too! You must consult with your dentist before making any treatment decisions, as each case is unique and different approaches may be required depending on how much damage has occurred. Taking care of your teeth now will help ensure they stay healthy well into adulthood!
