Olivette, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Olivette, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Olivette, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and distressing time. Thankfully, a professional dentist can prepare a broken tooth, even if the damage is extensive. Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Olivette, MO residents young and old get the quality dental services they need, with a team that is strives to be friendly and helpful. If you’re looking for broken tooth repair in Olivette, MO, speak to a team member today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Needing to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should see a dentist in Olivette, MO as quickly as you can. If you have a chipped tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not feel any pain. The enamel that covers our teeth is stronger than any bone humans have. Yet, because of decay or enough force, it’s not unbreakable. When that happens, the inner pulp can be unprotected, leading to pain and, if you don’t see dental treatment, infection.

There are some self-care measures you can take to help your early symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

• Gather any large pieces of the tooth that are no longer attached to your teeth
• Wash your mouth out with warm water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re in pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical dental pain cream)
• 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 notice any exposed yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, see your Olivette, MO dentist immediately.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the seriousness 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 that are just on the outside of the enamel. These are pretty common, and you may not notice you have it. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and consequently don’t cause a whole lot of pain, however you may experience some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the fracture extends from the chewing surface of a tooth toward its root. As the crack can spread, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need to get treated early on. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root 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 entirely in two. Most times it won’t be possible to save 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. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding tissue, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your regular dental checkup. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often an experienced Olivette, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic therapy.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist at your earliest convenience. One of the advantages to having 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 Olivette, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — An injury to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events 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 lead to a broken tooth.
• Cavities or decay — When a tooth is weakened by decay, it can become more prone to breaking.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not following proper oral hygiene can weaken your teeth and gums 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 essential to seek treatment as soon as possible for the best restorative results. Ignoring a broken tooth can cause more serious complications, such as infection, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Olivette, 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 avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be pulled a skilled dentist will still be able to completely restore your smile. Below are some options that your Olivette, MO dentist may recommend:

• 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 hardened with a high-intensity laser. Bonding can typically be completed in a single visit and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be the best option for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more severe damage, 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 make a broken tooth look better and are durable with proper care. The process consists of taking 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, you may require 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 constructed from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years with proper care. The process consists of removing the damaged part of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are often the best choice for extensive damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the nerve, you may require a root canal. In this procedure, 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 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 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 acts 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 has fused with your jawbone, your Olivette, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. The cap is placed over the screw

  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 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 Olivette, 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 play sports or are a weekend warrior, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma and injury.
• Practice proper oral health — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist consistently for checkups and cleanings and polishings can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have a cavity or other dental issue, get dental care as soon as possible. Not doing so can weaken teeth.
• 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 Olivette, MO

A broken tooth can affect basic activities and make you less confident in your smile, but there are several options available for repairing the damage. It’s important to seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Olivette, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who are apprehensive in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Olivette, MO.