Maryland Heights, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Maryland Heights, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Maryland Heights, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and upsetting ordeal. Luckily, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Maryland Heights, MO residents young and old get the quality dental services they need, with a staff that is strives to be friendly and helpful. If you need broken tooth repair in Maryland Heights, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Maryland Heights, MO immediately after your injury. If you have a chipped tooth where you just lost some of your tooth’s outer layer, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the strongest substance humans have. Nevertheless, through decay or enough force, it’s not unbreakable. When that happens, the inner pulp can be unprotected, causing pain and, if untreated, infection.

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

• Gather any large pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• 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 some sugarless gum
• Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you notice any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Maryland Heights, MO.

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the seriousness of the fracture and what part of the tooth it’s on. In general, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are small cracks in the enamel. These are pretty common, 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 breaks off. These happen more easily to teeth with large fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t result in a whole lot of pain, however symptoms may include some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means the break extends from the top of the tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. If the crack extends below the gum line the tooth will likely have to be extracted.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is not treated promptly. When that happens, the tooth has split into two separate parts from the chewing surface down to the root. Most times it won’t be possible to save the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start below the gum line and extend up, 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 dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often a professional Maryland Heights, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the benefits of going to regular dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Maryland Heights, MO

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

• Trauma to the mouth or face — An injury to the face or mouth, such as during sports 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 vulnerable to damage.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper dental health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more vulnerable to breaking.
• Teeth grinding — Also referred to as bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s important to seek treatment early to minimize how invasive a corrective procedure will be. Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Maryland Heights, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your unique circumstances. The goal will be to try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a knowledgeable dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Below are several treatments that your Maryland Heights, 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 hardened with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed in one visit and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive breaks, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a thin 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 are durable with proper care. 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 broken tooth solution that looks natural in appearance.
• 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 can be constructed from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable if taken care of correctly. The procedure consists of removing the cracked 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, you may need a root canal. In this procedure, the damaged or infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. 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 staving off further damage to the tooth.
• 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 affixed to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and acts just like a natural tooth is placed over 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 Maryland Heights, 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 relieves pain, makes it less likely that a crack will spread, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you confident with your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Maryland Heights, MO

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

• Avoid chewing 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.
• Practice proper dental care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist consistently for checkups and cleanings and polishings can make your teeth stronger.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have decay, gingivitis, or another 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 safeguard your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Maryland Heights, 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 a natural, strong tooth. It’s important to get care promptly so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other issues. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Maryland Heights, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping people of any age who are nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Maryland Heights, MO.