Normandy, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Normandy, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Normandy, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and troubling experience. 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 dedicated to helping Normandy, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the expert dental care they need, with a staff that is strives to be kind and professional. If you require broken tooth repair in Normandy, MO, call Plaza at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Normandy, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a cracked tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not have any symptoms at first. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the strongest substance in our bodies. Nonetheless, because of decay or enough force, it can still be cracked. In those instances, the nerves inside of the teeth can be unprotected, leading to pain and, if untreated, infection.

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

• Gather any substantial pieces of the tooth that broke off
• Wash what’s left of your tooth with salt water
• Take an over-the-counter medication if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain cream)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can shield it with a piece of sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

If you spot any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental care in Normandy, MO.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that are just on the outside of the enamel. They are common, and they can be hard to discover. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is so it looks better.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface detaches. These happen more commonly to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t hurt the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t result in a whole lot of pain, however symptoms may include some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means the break descends from the top of the tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, 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 chewing surface down to the root. Most times it won’t be possible to repair your mouth without extracting the tooth.
5. Vertical root fractures start at the root of the tooth 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 twice yearly dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often an experienced Normandy, MO dentist can repair it 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 as soon as possible. One of the benefits of going to consistent 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 Normandy, MO

A broken tooth is always unanticipated, but they usually happen because of a few basic causes. Some common causes are:

• An injury to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during sports or an accident, can cause a tooth to break.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects like 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 practicing good oral hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more prone to cracking.
• Teeth grinding — Also called bruxism, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to minimize how invasive a corrective procedure will be. Not getting treatment can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss.

How Plaza Dental Center Treats a Broken Tooth in Normandy, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your unique circumstances. The goal will be to try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted an experienced dentist will still be able to fully restore your smile. Below are some options that your Normandy, MO dentist may advise:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best bet. 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 appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more serious damage.
• Dental veneers — For more severe damage, 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 with proper care. The process consists of 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 a more extensive fracture, you may need a dental crown. 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 involves removing the cracked portion of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are a great option for extensive 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 or infected pulp is taken out, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. 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 pulled, dental implants are the modern alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a small titanium post will be attached to the bone in your jaw, and a porcelain crown that looks and performs just like a normal tooth is placed over the screw. The process usually consists of three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Normandy, MO dentist will prepare impressions for the crown
  3. You receive your brand new tooth

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, we can fit you to temporary replacements that also look and act like normal teeth.

Unlike broken bones in other parts of the body, broken teeth do not completely heal. Getting treatment manages 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 Normandy, MO

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

• Don’t bite down on 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 good oral health — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups 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 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 Normandy, 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 get care promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Normandy, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping patients who are nervous in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your broken tooth repair in Normandy, MO.