Hazelwood, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Hazelwood, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Hazelwood, MO. A broken tooth can impact your basic activities such as chewing and talking, and can also affect your confidence. The good news is that a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the tooth is almost completely gone. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Hazelwood, MO residents young and old get the excellent dental services they need, with a team that is makes sure to be friendly and professional. If you need broken tooth repair in Hazelwood, MO, call Plaza at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should see a dentist in Hazelwood, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a chipped tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nevertheless, because of decay or enough force, it’s not indestructible. 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 pain and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

• Gather any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Rinse your mouth out with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re experiencing pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain gel)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can protect it with some sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you spot any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Hazelwood, MO dentist immediately.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are small cracks in the enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and they can be hard to discover. They often don’t require treatment except for if the cracks are on the front teeth.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t harm the pulp and consequently don’t result in much pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the break goes from the top of the tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can start small and get longer, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. 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 entirely in two. Most times it won’t be possible to save 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 symptoms at first, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed for a long period. They often go unnoticed until the crack starts damaging surrounding gums and bone, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your biannual dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often a professional Hazelwood, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic therapy.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still make an appointment with a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to having biannual dental examinations is that your dentist will be able to tell if there are any issues you’re not aware of.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Hazelwood, MO

A broken tooth is always surprising, but the circumstances surrounding many of them isn’t unique. A few 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 motor vehicle accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• 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 susceptible to breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper oral health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more susceptible to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Also referred to as 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. Ignoring a broken tooth can cause more serious complications, such as infection, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Hazelwood, 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. We will try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be pulled an experienced dentist will still be able to completely restore your smile. Here are several options that your Hazelwood, 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 visit and is among the cheaper options for fixing a broken tooth. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be recommended for more serious damage.
• Dental veneers — For more significant breaks, 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 can last for many years if taken care of correctly. The process consists of removing a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then attaching 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 constructed from numerous different substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The procedure involves removing the broken part of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are a great option 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 taken out, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. A cap is then placed on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and staving off 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 attached to your jawbone, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts just like a normal 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 Hazelwood, 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 broken bones in other parts of the body, broken teeth never completely heal themselves. Getting treatment eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will worsen, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Hazelwood, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take 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 engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Follow good dental hygiene — 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 strengthen your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Hazelwood, 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 as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Hazelwood, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who feel nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your broken tooth repair in Hazelwood, MO.