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Overland, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Overland, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Overland, MO. A broken tooth can impact your basic activities like eating and speaking, and can also have consequences for 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 Overland, MO residents of all ages get the quality dental care they need, with a team that is strives to be kind and professional. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Overland, MO, call Plaza at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should schedule an appointment with a dentist in Overland, MO immediately after you discover the tooth is broken. 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 stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nevertheless, through decay or enough force, it can still be cracked. In those instances, the nerves inside of the teeth can be uncovered, leading to pain and, if you don’t see medical care, infection.

There are some things you can do at home to help your early symptoms and ensure things at the dentist go as well as possible:

  • Gather any substantial 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 (NOT a topical dental pain reliever)
  • If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can protect it with a piece of sugarless gum
  • Eat soft foods and don’t use that side of your mouth to chew

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

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the damage and where on the tooth it is. Generally, broken teeth are broken down into five types:

  1. Craze lines are small cracks that only affect the outer enamel. These are pretty ordinary, and you may not notice you have it. They often don’t require treatment except for if the cracks are on the front teeth.
  2. A fractured cusp occurs when a part of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t harm the pulp and consequently don’t result in much pain, however you may experience some tooth sensitivity.
  3. A cracked tooth means a crack goes from the chewing surface of a tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can start small and get bigger, to avoid the need to extract the tooth you need an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root the tooth will probably be extracted.
  4. A split tooth occurs when a cracked tooth goes untreated. 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 start below the gum line and extend up, instead of a crack on the chewing surface extending down. You may not have symptoms at first, 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 gums and bone, however they are detectable in an x-ray during your biannual dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often a professional Overland, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist at your earliest convenience. 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.

Broken Tooth Repair Overland, MO | Dental Bonding and Crowns | Cosmetic Dentistry Near Overland

Causes of Broken Teeth in Overland, MO

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

  • 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 like 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 vulnerable to cracking.
  • Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper oral health can weaken your teeth and gums and make them more prone to chipping.
  • Teeth grinding Called bruxism in the dental world, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

It’s essential to seek treatment early to prevent further damage or infection. Not getting treatment can lead to more serious complications, such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Overland, MO

Your treatment options for your broken tooth will depend on your specific circumstances. We will try to avoid extracting the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a skilled dentist will still be able to completely restore your smile. Here are some treatments that your Overland, MO dentist may recommend:

  • Dental bonding For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. In this treatment, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then hardened with a special light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single visit and is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is a good option for fixing your tooth’s appearance, but may not be the best option for more severe damage.
  • Dental veneers — For more significant damage, a dental veneer may be recommended. 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 can last for many years with proper care. The process involves taking a small amount of enamel from the damaged 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 require a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are constructed from numerous different substances, such as porcelain or metal, and are incredibly durable if taken care of correctly. The process involves removing the cracked portion of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are often the best option for extensive damage.
  • Root canal If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged or infected pulp is taken out, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. 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 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 metal screw 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 forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Overland, MO dentist will prepare 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 broken bones in your legs, arms, or elsewhere, broken teeth never completely heal themselves. Getting treatment manages pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you confident with your smile again.

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Preventing Broken Teeth in Overland, MO

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

  • Don’t bite down on on hard objects — Refrain from biting down on hard objects such as ice or inedible objects.
  • 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 dental hygiene — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year for examinations 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, seek treatment promptly. Ignoring dental problems can make teeth more susceptible to damage.
  • 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 Overland, 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 so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other issues. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Overland, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who feel apprehensive in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or contact us online for your broken tooth repair in Overland, MO.