Northwoods, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Northwoods, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Northwoods, MO. A broken tooth can impact your daily tasks like eating and talking, and can also impact your confidence. Thankfully, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Northwoods, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the excellent dental care they need, with a team that is always amiable and helpful. If you require broken tooth repair in Northwoods, MO, call Plaza at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Northwoods, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. If you have a chipped tooth and the damage is minimal, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nevertheless, because of decay or enough force, it can still be broken. When that happens, the nerves inside of the teeth can be uncovered, leading to pain and, if untreated, infection.

There are some at-home measures you can take to help your early symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go smoothly:

• Gather any substantial pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• Wash what’s left of your tooth with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain gel)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can cover 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 notice any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental care in Northwoods, 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. Generally, there are five types of broken teeth:

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. They are ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. Generally, the only reasons to get treatment is for appearances.
2. A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t hurt the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t result in much pain, however you may experience some tooth sensitivity.
3. A cracked tooth means the break goes from the chewing surface of a tooth toward its root. As the crack can start small and get bigger, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will probably be extracted.
4. A split tooth occurs when the crack in a tooth is not treated promptly. When that happens, the tooth has split completely in two. 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 spread upwards, instead of a crack on the top of the tooth extending down. You may not have many symptoms, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed if you don’t see a dentist regularly. They often go unnoticed until the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your twice yearly dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be taken out, but often an experienced Northwoods, 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 benefits of going to biannual dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Northwoods, MO

A broken tooth is always unexpected, but they usually happen because of a few basic causes. A few common causes include:

• Trauma to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during sports or an accident, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, 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 good dental hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more prone to breaking.
• Teeth grinding — Also known 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 result in more serious complications, such as infection, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Northwoods, 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. We will 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 some treatments that your Northwoods, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be your best choice. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then fixed with an LED light. Bonding usually takes place in a single appointment and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be recommended for more significant damage.
• Dental veneers — For more serious fractures, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a thin shell 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 properly. The process consists of removing a small amount of enamel from the broken tooth, then affixing 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 a more extensive break, 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 various materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years if taken care of properly. The process involves removing the broken part of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are often the best choice for severe damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the inner parts of the tooth, you may require a root canal. In this procedure, 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 cap is then placed over the tooth to return it to normal appearance and functionality. 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 pulled, 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 consists of three appointments:
  1. The screw is attached
  2. After the screw has fused with your jawbone, your Northwoods, MO dentist will prepare impressions for the crown
  3. The cap 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 never completely heal themselves. 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 Northwoods, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to prevent broken teeth:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects — Refrain from biting down on hard objects such as ice or inedible objects.
• Wear a mouthguard — If you play sports or are a weekend warrior, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Follow proper oral hygiene — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year 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 promptly. Ignoring dental problems 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 protect your teeth.

Call Plaza Dental Center For Your Broken Tooth Repair in Northwoods, 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 seek treatment as soon as possible so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other dental problems. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Northwoods, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We particularly enjoy helping people of any age who feel apprehensive about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website for your broken tooth repair in Northwoods, MO.