Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. A broken tooth can be an agonizing and upsetting time. The good news is that there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents of all ages get the excellent dental care they need, with a staff that is always kind and professional. If you’re looking for broken tooth repair in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment through our website.

Steps to Take After a Broken Tooth

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO as quickly as possible. If you have a cracked tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that covers our teeth is the most durable substance humans have. However, after an injury or due to poor oral hygiene, it can still be splintered. In those instances, the nerves inside of the teeth can be uncovered, leading to pain and, if you don’t see dental treatment, infection.

There are some self-care measures you can take to help your early symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

• Gather any substantial pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• Rinse what’s left of your tooth with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical oral pain gel)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can shield it with some sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you spot any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the seriousness of the damage and what part of the tooth it’s on. Generally, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. They are ordinary, and they can be hard to discover. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is so it looks better.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface detaches. These happen more commonly to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t harm the pulp and therefore don’t cause much pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack goes from the top of the tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can start small and get bigger, saving the tooth requires to get treated early on. If the crack extends below the gum line the tooth will likely have to be pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated. In these cases, the tooth has split into two separate parts from the top down to the root. Only in rare occasions is it possible to repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures begin at the root of the tooth and spread upwards, instead of a crack on the top of the tooth extending down. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. They often go unnoticed until the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your twice yearly dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often an experienced Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the benefits of having twice yearly dental examinations is that your dentist will be able to tell if you have any dental problems you’re not aware of.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

A broken tooth is always surprising, but they usually happen because of a few basic causes. Some common causes are:

• An injury to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during sports or an accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or inedible object can also cause a tooth to crack or break.
• Cavities or decay — When a tooth is weakened by decay, it can become more vulnerable to chipping.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper oral hygiene can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more prone to damage.
• Teeth grinding — Also known as bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible for the best restorative results. Ignoring a broken tooth can cause more serious complications, such as infection, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

How We Treat a Broken Tooth in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your specific situation. We will try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted an experienced dentist will still be able to fully restore your smile. Here are some treatments that your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best choice. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then hardened with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single visit and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be the best option for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more severe damage, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a thin coating of porcelain or composite material that is personalized to fit exactly over the top of your teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of a broken tooth and can last for many years with proper care. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then affixing the veneer to the tooth. Veneers are more expensive than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting broken tooth solution that looks natural in appearance.
• Dental crowns — For severe damage or decay, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns can be constructed from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years if taken care of properly. The procedure consists of removing the damaged part of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are often the best option for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, you may require a root canal. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth is taken out, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. A cap is then placed over the tooth to restore its appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be extracted, dental implants are the contemporary alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a small titanium post will be attached to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts just like a normal tooth is placed over the screw. The process usually takes place in three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw has fused with your jawbone, your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. The crown is placed over the screw

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, you’ll have temporary replacements that also look and act like normal teeth.

Unlike broken bones in other parts of the body, broken teeth do not completely heal. Getting treatment relieves pain, makes it less likely that a crack will worsen, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

While accidents can happen, there are things you can do to prevent broken teeth:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects — Hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels can cause a tooth to crack or break.
• Wear a mouthguard — If you engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Practice proper dental care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist consistently for examinations and cleanings and polishings can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have decay, gingivitis, or another dental issue, get dental care as soon as possible. Ignoring dental problems can weaken teeth.
• Consider protective dental treatments — If you have weak or brittle teeth, your dentist may suggest a protective dental treatment, such as a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, to help protect your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

A broken tooth can affect basic activities and make you less confident in your smile, but there are ways to make your tooth look and feel like new again. It’s important to get care promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who are nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.