Help! I Broke My Tooth
March 28, 2018
Breaking your tooth can be startling. You may not know what you should do, which can lead to panic. No matter how much tooth is broken, it is important to call your dentist to set an appointment. Leaving a damaged tooth vulnerable can lead to worse situation. Having significant damage to your tooth’s surface can leave it susceptible to decay or further damage. Depending on the extent of your damage, a different solution may be the option to repair it. In situations where the break is only surface level, cosmetic dentistry may be appropriate. In situations where the damage goes deeper, restorative options may be necessary.
Repair and Restoration
Cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers may be enough to cover up surface-level breakage to a tooth. Once your dentist confirms that the damage is only to the surface, one of these options could be recommended. If the damage exposes the inner tissues of your tooth, endodontic treatment may be necessary to disinfect the tooth. After any infected parts of the tooth is removed, a crown can restore the tooth back to a strong, whole tooth. Having a crown cap your tooth provides protection for the remainder of the tooth.
Replacement for Severe Damage
While dental crowns may help save teeth that are severely damaged, some teeth may not have enough visible structure left to cap. If damage to the tooth’s structure is so extensive that the tooth becomes unsaveable, the next priority would be to preserve your bite’s function and the rest of your oral health. To accomplish that, your dentist may recommend an extraction followed by replacing the tooth with a dental implant. An implant can support your lifelike dental crown in the same way a root supports a healthy tooth. Together, an implant and crown create a very lifelike replacement for your tooth.
Do Not Ignore a Broken Tooth
If you break your tooth, it is important that you get in to see your dentist. We can help you decide on the best solution for a broken tooth. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.