Jennings, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Jennings, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Jennings, MO. A broken tooth can be an agonizing and upsetting experience. The good news is that there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Jennings, MO residents of all ages get the expert dental services they need, with a staff that is strives to be amiable and professional. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Jennings, MO, speak to a team member today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

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 Jennings, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a cracked tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not have any symptoms at first. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone humans have. Yet, after an injury or due to poor oral habits, it’s not unbreakable. When that happens, the inner pulp can be exposed, leading to pain and, if you don’t see dental care, infection.

There are some self-care measures you can take to help manage any pain and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

• Collect any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Rinse your mouth out with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain gel)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can cover it with some sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you see any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Jennings, MO.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are small cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. These are pretty 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 part of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These happen more commonly to teeth with large fillings. These usually don’t affect the pulp and consequently don’t cause much pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the fracture goes from the top of the tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can start small and get longer, saving the tooth requires to get treated early on. If the crack extends below the gum line the tooth will likely have to 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 top down to the root. Only in rare occasions is it possible to repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures begin below the gum line 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. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding gums and bone, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your regular dental checkup. The tooth may have to be taken out, but often an experienced Jennings, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic therapy.

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

A broken tooth is always unexpected, 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 an accident, 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 susceptible to breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following good dental health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more prone to damage.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the medical world, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s important to seek treatment early to prevent further damage or infection. Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Jennings, 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 extracted a skilled dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Here are several treatments that your Jennings, MO dentist may advise:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, 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 high-intensity laser. Bonding usually takes place in one appointment and is relatively inexpensive. 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 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 with proper care. The process consists of removing a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then attaching the veneer to the tooth. Veneers are more expensive 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 numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable with proper care. The process consists of removing the broken part of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are often the best choice for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, the damaged or infected pulp 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 over the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing further damage to the tooth.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be extracted, dental implants are the modern alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a small titanium post will be affixed to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts just like a normal tooth is capped onto the screw. The process usually consists of three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw has fused with your jawbone, your Jennings, 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 worsen, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Jennings, MO

While accidents can happen, there are things you can do 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 engage in sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Follow proper dental care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, seek treatment as soon as possible. Not doing so can make teeth more susceptible to damage.
• Consider protective dental treatments — If you have weak or brittle teeth, your dentist may recommend 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 Jennings, MO

A broken tooth can affect basic activities and make you less confident in your smile, but there are ways to make your tooth look and feel like new again. 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 Jennings, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping people of any age who are nervous in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Jennings, MO.