Bridgeton, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Bridgeton, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Bridgeton, MO. A broken tooth can be an agonizing and distressing time. Luckily, a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the tooth is almost completely gone. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Bridgeton, MO residents of all ages get the expert dental care they need, with a team that is strives to be amiable and professional. If you require broken tooth repair in Bridgeton, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Bridgeton, MO immediately after your injury. If you have a cracked tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not have any symptoms at first. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the hardest material in our bodies. Nonetheless, after an injury or due to poor oral hygiene, it can still be cracked. In those instances, the inner pulp can be exposed, causing pain and, if you don’t see medical care, infection.

There are some things you can do at home to help your early symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

• Collect any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Rinse what’s left of your tooth with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re experiencing pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain gel)
• If the tooth has a sharp 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 see any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Bridgeton, MO dentist immediately.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the damage and where on the tooth it is. In general, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are small cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. These are pretty common, and you may not notice you have it. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a part of the top surface of the tooth breaks off. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t damage the pulp and therefore don’t cause a whole lot of pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack goes from the chewing surface of a tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can spread, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need to get treated early on. If the crack extends below the gum line the tooth will probably be extracted.
4. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated. In these cases, the tooth has split completely in two. Only in rare occasions is it possible to save the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures begin at the root of the tooth and extend up, instead of a crack on the chewing surface extending down. You may not have many symptoms, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed for a long period. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your regular dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often an experienced Bridgeton, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic therapy.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the advantages to going to 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 Bridgeton, MO

A broken tooth is always unexpected, but the circumstances surrounding many of them isn’t unique. Several common causes include:

• An injury to the mouth or face — Trauma to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or an accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or inedible object can also lead to a broken tooth.
• Cavities or decay — When a tooth is weakened by decay, it can become more vulnerable to chipping.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following good dental health can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more prone to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. Ignoring a broken tooth can result in more serious complications, such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

How We Treat a Broken Tooth in Bridgeton, MO

Your treatment options for your broken tooth will depend on the type of break, where it is on the tooth, and the extent of the damage. We will try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be pulled a skilled dentist will still be able to fully restore your smile. Here are some options that your Bridgeton, MO dentist may recommend:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best bet. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then hardened with a high-intensity laser. Bonding usually takes place in one visit and is among the cheaper options for fixing a broken tooth. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be the best option for more extensive damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive cracks, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite material that is personalized to fit exactly over the top of your teeth. Veneers can make a broken tooth look better and can last for many years if taken care of properly. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then attaching the veneer to the tooth. Veneers are more expensive than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for a broken tooth.
• Dental crowns — For a more extensive fracture, you may need a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns are made from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable if taken care of properly. The procedure consists of removing the cracked part of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are a great choice for significant damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the nerve, you may require a root canal. In a root canal, the damaged or infected pulp is taken out, and the damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is filled with a special material called gutta-percha. A cap is then placed over the tooth to return it to normal appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be pulled, dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace the tooth. With an implant, a small titanium post will be affixed to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a natural tooth is capped onto the screw. The process usually takes place in three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Bridgeton, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. You receive your brand new tooth

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, we can fit you to 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 eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you proud of your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Bridgeton, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to prevent broken teeth:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects — Refrain from biting down on hard objects such as ice or inedible objects.
• Wear a mouthguard — If you engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Follow good oral care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings and polishings can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, get dental care promptly. Ignoring dental problems can make teeth more susceptible to breaking.
• 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 safeguard your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Bridgeton, 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 seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Bridgeton, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping patients who feel apprehensive in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Bridgeton, MO.