Glasgow Village, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Glasgow Village, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Glasgow Village, 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 Glasgow Village, MO residents of all ages get the expert dental care they need, with a staff that is makes sure to be friendly and helpful. If you require broken tooth repair in Glasgow Village, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Glasgow Village, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a chipped tooth and you just lost some enamel, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that covers our teeth is the strongest material humans have. Yet, after an injury or due to poor oral habits, it can still be broken. When that happens, the inner pulp can be exposed, 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:

• Collect any large pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Rinse what’s left of your tooth with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing pain (NOT a topical dental pain cream)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can cover 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 Glasgow Village, MO dentist immediately.

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. In general, 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. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. These happen more commonly to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t cause a whole lot of pain, however you may experience some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means the fracture extends from the top of the tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need to get treated early on. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will likely have to be extracted.
4. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated. When that happens, the tooth has split into two separate parts all the way down to the root. Most times it won’t be possible to repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start below the gum line and extend up, the opposite of a cracked tooth. You may not have many symptoms, and often a vertical root fracture can go undetected if you don’t see a dentist regularly. They often go unnoticed until the crack starts damaging 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 Glasgow Village, 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 at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to 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 Glasgow Village, 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 — 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, 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 damage.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper oral health can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more susceptible to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. Not getting treatment can cause more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Glasgow Village, 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. The goal will be to try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be pulled an experienced dentist will still be able to fully restore your smile. Below are several options that your Glasgow Village, MO dentist may advise:

• Dental bonding — For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. 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 visit 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 significant damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant damage, 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 improve the appearance of a broken tooth and are durable if taken care of correctly. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then bonding 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 a more extensive fracture, 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 various materials, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The process consists of removing the damaged portion of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are often the best choice for extensive damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the nerve, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, 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 needs to be pulled, dental implants are the modern alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a metal screw will be affixed to the bone in your jaw, 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 forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Glasgow Village, MO dentist will make 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 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 Glasgow Village, MO

While we can’t control the unexpected, there are things you can do to prevent broken teeth:

• Don’t bite down on 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.
• Practice proper oral care — 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 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 Glasgow Village, MO

A broken tooth can be a painful and inconvenient experience, but there are several options available for repairing the damage. It’s important to seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Glasgow Village, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping patients who feel apprehensive about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Glasgow Village, MO.