Clayton, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Clayton, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Clayton, MO. A broken tooth can be an agonizing and troubling time. Luckily, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Clayton, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the expert dental care they need, with a team that is makes sure to be amiable and helpful. If you need broken tooth repair in Clayton, MO, speak to a team member today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.

Steps to Take After a Broken Tooth

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should see a dentist in Clayton, MO as quickly as possible. If you have a chipped tooth where you just lost some enamel, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that covers our teeth is the strongest material in our bodies. Nonetheless, after an injury or due to poor dental hygiene, it can still be broken. In those instances, the inner pulp can be unprotected, causing pain and, if untreated, infection.

There are some things you can do yourself to help manage any pain and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

• Gather any large pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• Wash your mouth out with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing pain (NOT a topical dental pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can shield it with some sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you see any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Clayton, MO.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are small cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. They are ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is so it looks better.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. These happen more easily to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t cause much pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack descends from the top of the tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can spread, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will likely have to be pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is allowed to grow. When that happens, the tooth has split completely in two. Most times it won’t be 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 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 gums and bone, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your biannual dental checkup. The tooth may have to be taken out, but often a professional Clayton, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic therapy.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the advantages to going to consistent dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Clayton, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or an accident, can cause a tooth to break.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects like ice, nuts, 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 prone to damage.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper oral health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more susceptible to damage.
• Teeth grinding — Also referred to as bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s important to seek treatment early to minimize how invasive a corrective procedure will be. Not getting treatment can result in more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Clayton, 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 pulled a knowledgeable dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Below are some options that your Clayton, MO dentist may advise:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best bet. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then fixed with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed in one appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be the best option for more significant damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive breaks, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a fine 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 are durable 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 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 its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are constructed from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years if taken care of correctly. The process involves removing the damaged portion 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, a root canal may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged part of the inner tooth is removed, 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 restore its appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing further damage to the tooth.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth needs to be pulled, dental implants are the contemporary alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a metal screw will be attached to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a natural tooth is placed over 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 Clayton, MO dentist will prepare impressions for the crown
  3. The crown is placed over the screw

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, we can fit you to temporary replacements that also look and act like normal teeth.

Unlike fractures in your legs, arms, or elsewhere, broken teeth do not completely heal. Getting treatment relieves 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 Clayton, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take 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 play sports or are a weekend warrior, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Follow proper dental hygiene — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist consistently for examinations and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, get dental care promptly. Not doing so can make teeth more susceptible to breaking.
• Consider protective dental treatments — If you have weak or brittle teeth, your dentist may recommend 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 Clayton, MO

A broken tooth can be a painful and inconvenient experience, but there are ways to make your tooth look and feel like a natural, strong tooth. It’s important to seek treatment promptly so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other issues. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Clayton, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who feel apprehensive about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Clayton, MO.