Hanley Hills, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Hanley Hills, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Hanley Hills, MO. A broken tooth can impact your daily tasks like eating and speaking, and can also impact your confidence. Fortunately, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Hanley Hills, MO residents young and old get the excellent dental care they need, with a staff that is makes sure to be amiable and professional. If you require broken tooth repair in Hanley Hills, MO, speak to a team member 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 service, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Hanley Hills, MO immediately after your injury. If you have a chipped tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not have any symptoms at first. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nevertheless, after an injury or due to poor oral habits, it’s not unbreakable. In those instances, the inner pulp can be uncovered, causing pain and, if you don’t see dental treatment, infection.

There are some at-home steps you can take to help manage any symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

• Gather any large pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Wash what’s left of your tooth with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re in pain (NOT a topical dental pain cream)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can protect it with a piece of sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you notice any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Hanley Hills, MO dentist immediately.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the damage and what part of the tooth it’s on. Generally, broken teeth are classified into five types:

1. Craze lines are small cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t affect the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t cause a whole lot of pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the break 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 pulled out.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is not treated promptly. When that happens, the tooth has split entirely 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 spread upwards, the opposite of a cracked tooth. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. They often go unnoticed until the crack affects the surrounding gums and bone, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your regular dental checkup. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often an experienced Hanley Hills, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic therapy.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to going to twice yearly dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Hanley Hills, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — Trauma to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or in a fall, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as 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 cracking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper dental hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more vulnerable to cracking.
• Teeth grinding — Also referred to as 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. Not getting treatment can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Hanley Hills, 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 pulled a knowledgeable dentist will still be able to completely restore your smile. Below are several treatments that your Hanley Hills, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be an option. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then attached with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed 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 recommended for more significant damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive cracks, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a fine coating 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 taking 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 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 normal appearance and functionality. Crowns are made from various substances, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years with proper care. The procedure involves removing the broken portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are a great choice for significant damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the inner parts of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth is taken out, 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 protect it and restore its function. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be extracted, dental implants are the contemporary 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 normal tooth is placed over 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 Hanley Hills, 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 spread, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Hanley Hills, 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 engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Practice good oral health — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups 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, seek treatment as soon as possible. Ignoring dental problems can weaken teeth.
• 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 protect your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Hanley Hills, 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 get care promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Hanley Hills, 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 contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Hanley Hills, MO.