Ferguson, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Ferguson, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Ferguson, MO. A broken tooth can be an agonizing and upsetting time. The good news is that a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the damage is extensive. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Ferguson, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the quality dental services they need, with a team that is makes sure to be friendly and helpful. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Ferguson, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should see a dentist in Ferguson, MO as quickly as possible. If you have a chipped tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the hardest substance humans have. Nonetheless, because of decay or enough force, it can still be splintered. When that happens, the nerves inside of the teeth can be uncovered, causing pain and, if you don’t see medical care, infection.

There are some self-care measures you can take to help manage any symptoms 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 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 jagged edge, you can shield it with some sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you see any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Ferguson, 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, broken teeth are classified into five types:

1. Craze lines are small cracks in the enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and they can be hard to discover. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is so it looks better.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These happen more easily to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t affect the pulp and consequently don’t result in much pain, however symptoms may include some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack extends from the chewing surface of a tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will probably 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 chewing surface down to the root. 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 extend up, the opposite of a cracked tooth. 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 are detectable in an x-ray during your biannual dental checkup. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often an experienced Ferguson, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic surgery.

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 having biannual dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Ferguson, MO

A broken tooth is always surprising, but the circumstances surrounding many of them isn’t unique. Some common causes are:

• An injury to the mouth or face — An injury to the face or mouth, such as during sports or an accident, can cause a tooth to break.
• 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 prone to breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper dental health can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more vulnerable to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the dental world, 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 lead to more serious complications, such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Ferguson, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on the type of break, where it is on the tooth, and the extent of the damage. The goal will be to try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted an experienced dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Here are several options that your Ferguson, MO dentist may recommend:

• Dental bonding — For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then hardened with a special light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be recommended for more extensive damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant damage, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite material that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can make a broken tooth look better and are durable with proper care. The process consists of taking a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then affixing the veneer to the tooth. Veneers cost more than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for a broken tooth.
• 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 made from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years with proper care. The procedure consists of removing the broken part of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are a great choice for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged or infected pulp is removed, and the damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is filled with a special material called gutta-percha. A crown is then placed on top of the tooth to restore its appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and staving off infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth needs to be extracted, dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace the tooth. With an implant, a metal screw will be attached to the bone in your jaw, 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 forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Ferguson, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. You receive your brand new tooth

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

Unlike fractures in other parts of the body, broken teeth never completely heal themselves. Getting treatment eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will spread, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you confident with your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Ferguson, MO

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

• Don’t chew 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.
• Practice proper oral care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have decay, gingivitis, or another dental issue, seek treatment promptly. Not doing so can weaken teeth.
• Consider protective dental treatments — If you have weak or brittle teeth, your dentist may advise 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 Ferguson, MO

A broken tooth can affect basic activities and make you less confident in your smile, but there are several options available for repairing the damage. It’s important to get care promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Ferguson, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who feel apprehensive in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your broken tooth repair in Ferguson, MO.