Shrewsbury, MO

Broken Tooth Repair in Shrewsbury, MO: Restoring Your Smile

Broken tooth repair in Shrewsbury, MO. A broken tooth can be a painful and upsetting time. Thankfully, there are several options available for repairing a broken tooth, depending on the severity of the damage. Plaza Dental Center is devoted to helping Shrewsbury, MO residents young and old get the quality dental services they need, with a staff that is always friendly and professional. If you require broken tooth repair in Shrewsbury, MO, speak to a team member at your earliest convenience at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

Steps to Take After Breaking Your Tooth

Repairing a broken tooth is an emergency dental service, so you should see a dentist in Shrewsbury, MO as soon as possible. If you have a chipped tooth where the damage is minimal, you may not notice it right away. The enamel that makes up the outer layer of our teeth is the strongest material humans have. Yet, because of decay or enough force, it’s not unbreakable. When that happens, the nerves inside of the teeth can be unprotected, causing pain and, if you don’t see medical care, infection.

There are some things you can do yourself 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 experiencing pain (DO NOT TAKE a topical oral pain reliever)
• If the tooth has a jagged edge, you can shield it with some sugarless gum
• Don’t eat hard foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

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

5 Types of Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are often described by the severity of the fracture and what part of the tooth it’s on. In general, broken teeth are classified into five types:

1. Craze lines are tiny cracks that only affect the outer enamel. These are pretty common, and they can be hard to discover. They often don’t require treatment except for aesthetic reasons.
2. A fractured cusp happens when a part of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off. These happen more easily to teeth with a substantial amount of fillings. These usually don’t hurt the nerves inside the tooth and therefore don’t result in much pain, however symptoms may include some sensitivity to temperatures.
3. A cracked tooth means a crack descends from the chewing surface of a tooth beneath the gum line. As the crack can spread, saving the tooth requires an early diagnosis. If the crack starts approaching the tooth root 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 completely in two. 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 spread upwards, the opposite of a cracked tooth. Symptoms are usually fairly delayed. Problems arise when the crack affects the surrounding gums and bone, however they can also be seen on an x-ray during your regular dental checkup. The tooth may have to be extracted, but often a professional Shrewsbury, MO dentist can restore the tooth with endodontic surgery.

If you think you’re having symptoms of a broken tooth, see a dentist as soon as possible. One of the advantages to going to consistent dental examinations is that your dentist can see any damage that you are not experiencing symptoms from.

Causes of Broken Teeth in Shrewsbury, MO

A broken tooth is always surprising, but the circumstances surrounding many of them isn’t unique. Several common causes are:

• Trauma to the mouth or face — A blow to the face or mouth, such as during athletic events or in a fall, can result in a broken tooth.
• Biting down on hard objects — Biting down on hard objects such as ice, nuts, 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 following good oral health can weaken your enamel and surrounding tissue and make them more vulnerable to breaking.
• Teeth grinding — Called bruxism in the medical world, teeth clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become chipped.

It’s essential to seek treatment early for the best restorative results. Ignoring a broken tooth can cause more serious complications, such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth in Shrewsbury, MO

The treatment for a broken tooth will depend on your unique circumstances. The goal will be to try to save the tooth, but even if it has to be extracted a knowledgeable dentist will be able to keep your teeth functional and return your full smile through other methods. Below are some treatments that your Shrewsbury, MO dentist may suggest:

• Dental bonding — For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding may be an option. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the damaged area and then hardened with an LED light. Bonding can typically be completed in a single visit and is among the cheaper options for fixing a broken tooth. Bonding is a good option for minor damage to the front teeth, but may not be recommended for more significant damage.
• Dental veneers — For more extensive fractures, a dental veneer may be recommended. A veneer is a fine shell of porcelain or composite material that is personalized to fit exactly over the top of your teeth. Veneers can improve the appearance of a broken tooth and can last for many years with proper care. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the damaged tooth, then affixing the veneer to the tooth. Veneers cost more 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 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 correctly. The procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and capping what’s left with a crown. Crowns are often the best option for significant damage.
• Root canal — If the damage to the tooth has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary. In a root canal, the damaged part of the inner tooth is removed, 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 restore its appearance and functionality. Root canals are often necessary for restoring structure and preventing infection.
• Dental implants — If the broken tooth has to be pulled, dental implants are the contemporary alternative to permanent tooth replacement. With an implant, a small titanium post will be attached to your jawbone, 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 forms a permanent bond with the bone, your Shrewsbury, MO dentist will make impressions for the crown
  3. You receive your brand new tooth

  Before the permanent replacement is ready, you’ll have 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 relieves pain, makes it less likely that a crack will get worse, ensures the tooth can function normally, and can restore a confident, bright smile.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Shrewsbury, MO

While we can’t control the unexpected, there are steps you can take 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.
• Practice proper oral care — Brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings and polishings can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
• Address dental problems promptly — If you have decay, gingivitis, or another 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 advise 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 Shrewsbury, MO

A broken tooth can be a painful and inconvenient experience, but there are ways to make your tooth look and feel like new again. It’s important to seek treatment promptly to prevent further damage or infection. At Plaza Dental Center, we take great pride in helping Shrewsbury, MO residents restore the function and confidence of their smiles. We’re especially interested in helping people of any age who feel nervous about going to the dentist. Call 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your broken tooth repair in Shrewsbury, MO.