Riverview Gardens, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Riverview Gardens, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Riverview Gardens, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and upsetting ordeal. 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 Riverview Gardens, MO residents from toddlers to grandparents get the expert dental care they need, with a staff that is makes sure to be amiable and professional. If you’re interested in broken tooth repair in Riverview Gardens, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

What to Do After a Broken Tooth?

Having to fix a broken tooth is an emergency dental event, so you should make an appointment with a dentist in Riverview Gardens, MO as soon as possible. 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 covers our teeth is stronger than any bone in our bodies. Nevertheless, through decay or enough force, it can still be broken. In those instances, the nerves inside of the teeth can be exposed, leading to pain and, if you don’t see medical treatment, infection.

There are some things you can do at home 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 (NOT a topical dental pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a sharp edge, you can cover it with some sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

If you spot any uncovered yellow dentin or red tooth pulp, you should seek urgent dental treatment in Riverview Gardens, MO.

5 Kinds of Broken Tooth

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

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer 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 piece of the top surface of the tooth detaches. These are more common with people with fillings. These usually don’t damage the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t cause much pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means the break goes 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 allowed to grow. In these cases, the tooth has split completely in two. Most times it won’t be 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 chewing surface extending down. You may not have many symptoms, and often a vertical root fracture can go unnoticed for a long period. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding gums and bone, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your biannual dentist appointment. The tooth may have to be pulled, but often a professional Riverview Gardens, MO dentist can repair it with endodontic therapy.

If you think you may have a broken tooth but can’t tell, you should still see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the advantages to going to twice yearly dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Riverview Gardens, MO

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

• An injury to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during sports or in a fall, can cause a tooth to break.
• 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 chipping.
• Poor dental hygiene — Not practicing proper oral hygiene can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more susceptible to chipping.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the dental world, teeth clenching or grinding can lead to a broken tooth.

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

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Riverview Gardens, 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 be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Here are some options that your Riverview Gardens, MO dentist may advise:

• Dental bonding — For cracks that are not too serious, dental bonding may be an option. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then fixed with a special 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 the best option for more severe damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive cracks, a dental veneer may be a good option. A veneer is a thin shell 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 broken tooth, then affixing the veneer to the tooth. Veneers are more expensive than bonding, but can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for a broken tooth.
• Dental crowns — For a more extensive break, you may need a dental crown. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth to restore normal appearance and functionality. Crowns can be made from numerous different materials, such as porcelain or metal, and can last for many years if taken care of correctly. The procedure consists of removing the damaged portion of the tooth and placing a crown over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns are often the best option for significant damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, you may need 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 crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be extracted, 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 capped onto 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 Riverview Gardens, MO dentist will make 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 other parts of the body, broken teeth never completely heal themselves. Getting treatment eases pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can make you proud of your smile again.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Riverview Gardens, MO

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take 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 dental hygiene — 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 a cavity or other dental issue, get dental care promptly. Ignoring dental problems can make teeth more susceptible to breaking.
• 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 Riverview Gardens, 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 as soon as possible so the fracture or chip doesn’t lead to other issues. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Riverview Gardens, MO residents regain the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who are nervous in the dentist’s chair get the dental care they need. Call 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment through our website for your broken tooth repair in Riverview Gardens, MO.