Florissant, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Florissant, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Florissant, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and troubling experience. Thankfully, a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the damage is extensive. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Florissant, MO residents of all ages get the expert dental services they need, with a staff that is always friendly and helpful. If you need broken tooth repair in Florissant, MO, speak to a team member today at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Needing to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Florissant, MO as quickly as you can. 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 stronger than any bone humans have. Nonetheless, through decay or enough force, it can still be cracked. When that happens, the inner pulp can be unprotected, leading to pain and, if untreated, infection.

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

• Gather any large pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Wash what’s left of your tooth with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical oral pain gel)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can cover it with a piece of sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you notice any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Florissant, MO.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They are ordinary, and they can be hard to discover. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is for appearances.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the top surface of the tooth breaks off. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t result in much pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the break descends from the chewing surface of a tooth down to the gum line. As the crack can start small and get longer, 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 pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is allowed to grow. When that happens, the tooth has split into two separate parts from the chewing surface down to the root. Only in rare occasions is it possible to repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start at the root of the tooth and extend up, instead of a crack on the chewing surface extending down. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. They often go unnoticed until the crack starts damaging surrounding tissue, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your twice yearly dental checkup. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often an experienced Florissant, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic therapy.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. 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 Florissant, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or in a fall, can cause a tooth to break.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as ice, nuts, 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 chipping.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing good oral hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more vulnerable to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the dental world, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

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

How We Treat a Broken Tooth in Florissant, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your unique circumstances. 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. Here are some treatments that your Florissant, 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 a special light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single appointment and is among the cheaper options for repairing a broken tooth. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be the best option for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive damage, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a thin coating of porcelain or composite material that is custom-made to fit over the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can improve the appearance of a broken tooth and are durable if taken care of correctly. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then bonding the veneer to the tooth. Veneers cost more 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 can be made from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The procedure consists of removing the cracked 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 pulp, you may require a root canal. In this procedure, the damaged or infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. A cap is then placed on top of 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 extracted, dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace the tooth. With an implant, a small titanium post will be attached to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts 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 has fused with your jawbone, your Florissant, 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 your legs, arms, or elsewhere, 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 confident with your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Florissant, MO

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

• Don’t chew on hard objects — Refrain from biting down on hard objects such as ice or inedible objects.
• 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 good dental hygiene — 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 advise a protective dental treatment, such as a fluoride treatment or dental sealants, to help strengthen your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Florissant, 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 as soon as possible so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other dental problems. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Florissant, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age 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 Florissant, MO.